Word
lactation
Phoneticslac·ta·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ɫækˈteɪʃən/
UK/læktˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the process of making and releasing milk from the breasts of a mother to feed her baby.
n. the physiological process of milk production and secretion in the mammary glands of female mammals.
Examples
“The mother began lactation shortly after giving birth.”
“Many mammals have evolved specialized behaviors to ensure their young receive enough milk during the early stages of lactation.”
“The transition from pregnancy to lactation involves complex hormonal shifts that prepare the mammary glands for the high-volume secretion required to sustain a growing infant.”
Examples
simple
“The mother began lactation shortly after giving birth.”
contextual
“Many mammals have evolved specialized behaviors to ensure their young receive enough milk during the early stages of lactation.”
complex
“The transition from pregnancy to lactation involves complex hormonal shifts that prepare the mammary glands for the high-volume secretion required to sustain a growing infant.”
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin lactātiō, lactātiōnis. Equivalent to lactate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/lactation