Graafian follicle

American  

[grah-fee-uhn] / ˈgrɑ fi ən /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. one of the small vesicles containing a developing ovum in the ovary of a mammal.

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Graafian follicle British  

/ ˈɡrɑːfɪən /

noun

1. a fluid-filled vesicle in the mammalian ovary containing a developing egg cell

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Etymology

Origin of Graafian follicle

1835–45; named after Regnier de Graaf (died 1673), Dutch anatomist; see -ian

Example Sentences

From time to time some of these ovules enlarge and are surrounded by a vesicle with liquid contents, which is called the Graafian follicle.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

Diagram of ovary with stages in the development of a Graafian follicle 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, see text, Section 137.

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

In the sexually mature woman, a Graafian follicle ripens at regular intervals of four weeks.

From The Sexual Life of the Child by Paul, Eden

This particle is formed in the ovary inside a much larger globule, which takes the name of the Graafian follicle, from its discoverer, Graaf, and had previously been regarded as the true ovum.

From The Evolution of Man — Volume 1 by Haeckel, Ernst Heinrich Philipp August

An ovum becomes mature, breaks through its Graafian follicle in the ovary and is set free.

From Woman Her Sex and Love Life by Robinson, William J.