ovary JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈəʊvəɹi/ · o·va·ry
noun
- A female reproductive organ, often paired, that produces ova and in mammals secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The male testicles are homologous to the female ovaries.
- The lower part of a pistil or carpel that bears ovules and ripens into fruit. In botany, the ovary of a flower contains the ovules where seeds develop.
Did you know? The term 'ovary' was first used in the 17th century to describe the female reproductive organ, and its botanical sense was later adopted in the 18th century. The discovery of the ovary's role in producing eggs and hormones has been crucial in understanding human reproduction and development.