definitions
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ovulate

[ ov-yuh-leyt, oh-vyuh-leyt- ]
/ ˈɒv yəˌleɪt, ˈoʊ vyəˌleɪt- /
|

verb (used without object), ov·u·lat·ed, ov·u·lat·ing. Biology.

to produce and discharge eggs from an ovary or ovarian follicle.

Nearby words

ovovitellin, ovoviviparous, ovshinsky effect, ovular, ovular membrane, ovulate, ovulation, ovulation method, ovulatory, ovule, ovulocyclic

Origin of ovulate

First recorded in 1860–65; ovule + -ate1
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ovulate

  • “As long as they have an adequate body weight, most women will ovulate just fine, even on marathon weekend,” he says.

    Exercise and Fertility: Are You Too Fit to Get Pregnant?|DailyBurn|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

  • Your doctor can help pinpoint any potential roadblocks and, in some cases, might prescribe medication to help you ovulate.

    Exercise and Fertility: Are You Too Fit to Get Pregnant?|DailyBurn|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for ovulate

ovulate

/ (ˈɒvjʊˌleɪt) /

verb

(intr) to produce or discharge eggs from an ovary
Derived Formsovulation, noun

Word Origin for ovulate

C19: from ovule
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for ovulate

ovulate

v.

1888, back-formation from ovulation. Related: Ovulated; ovulating.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for ovulate

ovulate

[ ō′vyə-lāt′, ŏv′yə- ]

v.

To produce ova; discharge eggs from the ovary.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.