corpus luteum Hear it!

corpus luteum definition

corpus lu·te·um (lo̵̅o̅t′ē əm)

  1. Anat. a mass of yellow tissue formed in the ovary by a ruptured graafian follicle that has discharged its ovum: if the ovum is fertilized, this tissue secretes the hormone progesterone, needed to maintain pregnancy
  2. a preparation containing this hormone, used in ovarian therapy; progesterone

Etymology: ModL, lit., luteous body

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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