ovulation

Scientific  

/ ō′vyə-lā′shən,ŏv′yə-lā′shən /

1. The release of an egg cell (ovum) from the ovary in female animals, regulated in mammals by hormones produced by the pituitary gland during the menstrual cycle.

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ovulation Cultural  

1. The periodic release of an ovum from the ovaries (usually from only one ovary). After the ovum is released, it travels into the fallopian tube, and from there is moved to the uterus. Ovulation generally happens approximately two weeks into the menstrual cycle.

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Example Sentences

The Wall Street Journal reported that the developer, Flo Health, shared users’ sensitive data, such as ovulation status and period information, with Meta between 2016 and 2019.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

But if the hypothalamus isn't happy, this process breaks down and ovulation doesn't happen.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2024

As the Washington Post noted, "Emergency contraceptive pills such as Plan B and Ella work by inhibiting or delaying ovulation, thereby preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg."

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2024

The treatment often uses hormones to trigger ovulation so multiple eggs are produced and a needle is used to remove them from the ovaries, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

Twenty-four hours after the deed, my mother’s body temperature rose another two tenths, confirming ovulation.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides