What does ovulatory mean?
Ovulatory is an adjective meaning relating to ovulation, the process by which a mature egg is released from an ovary. It is commonly used to describe phases, cycles, periods, and biological activity associated with ovulation. For example, a person's ovulatory cycle may be monitored to identify the days on which ovulation is most likely to occur. The term is generally used in medical, reproductive-health, and biological contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Ovulatory should not be confused with terms indicating that ovulation is definitely taking place: it identifies something as connected with the process or occurring during it. Together with nouns such as cycle and phase, it helps describe the timing and biological features of the reproductive cycle.
adjectiveRelating to ovulation or occurring during the process by which an ovary releases an egg.
- Relating to ovulation or occurring during ovulation.
"The doctor asked her to track her ovulatory cycle to determine the most fertile days."
"Changes in cervical mucus can provide an indication of the ovulatory phase of a woman's cycle."
"Ovulatory hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ovulatory come from?
The adjective ovulatory was formed from the English noun ovulation with the suffix -atory, meaning "relating to." Ovulation ultimately comes through Latin from ovum, meaning "egg," and the related Latin diminutive ovulum, meaning "little egg." The same root is preserved in English words such as ovary, ovule, and ovum.
Related word forms
How ovulatory is actually used
This is primarily a medical and biological term. It is most often used with words such as "cycle," "period," and "phase."