What does ovulated mean?
To ovulate means to release a mature egg cell from the ovary. The process normally occurs once during each menstrual cycle and is regulated by hormones, although timing and frequency can vary. In medical and fertility contexts, the word is used when describing ovulation induction, ovarian response, or the timing of conception. A person ovulates when a mature ovarian follicle releases its egg cell, after which the egg may travel through the fallopian tube, where fertilisation can occur. The term is more precise than simply saying that an egg is released and is especially common in reproductive medicine, gynaecology, and discussions of fertility treatment. In everyday language, "release an egg" conveys the same basic idea more plainly.
verbTo release a mature egg cell from the ovary, typically during the process of ovulation.
- To release a mature egg cell from the ovary, normally as part of the menstrual cycle.
"The woman ovulated shortly before her period began."
"She ovulated on day 14 of her cycle."
"The treatment stimulated the ovaries to ovulate."
Ovulation is the monthly release of an egg cell from an ovary—one of the body's most precisely timed biological events.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ovulated
The verb derives from Latin ovulum, a diminutive of ovum, meaning "egg." The associated noun ovulation was formed by adding the suffix -ation to the Latin-derived base. Related English words include ovum, ovule, and ovarian, all belonging to the same family based on the Latin word for "egg."
Related word forms
How ovulated is actually used
This is primarily a technical term used in reproductive biology, medicine, and fertility care. In general prose, "release an egg" is more accessible.