ovary

Etymology

From New Latin ovarium, from Medieval Latin ovaria (“bird ovary”), from Latin ovum (“egg”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈəʊvəɹi/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈoʊvəɹi/

Noun

ovary (plural ovaries)

1. (anatomy) 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.

2. (botany) The lower part of a pistil or carpel that bears ovules and ripens into fruit.