ovary
n.n. the part of a woman's body where eggs are made. In plants, it is the part that holds the seeds after the flower has finished blooming.
n. the female reproductive organ in humans and many other vertebrates, responsible for producing and releasing ova. In botany, it refers to the enlarged base of a pistil that develops into a fruit after fertilization.
The ovary produces the eggs that a woman releases.
In many flowering plants, the ovary develops into a protective fruit that contains the seeds.
The development of the ovary is regulated by a complex hormonal cycle that ensures the body is prepared for potential pregnancy.
From New Latin ovarium, from Medieval Latin ovaria (“bird ovary”), from Latin ovum (“egg”). Doublet of ovarium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Nounovary
- Adjectiveovarian
Last updated May 18, 2026