Graafian follicle
- noun
- /ˈɡræfiən ˈfɑlɪkəl/
- Specialized
:
folículo de Graaf
- The Graafian follicle matures and releases an egg during ovulation.
Examples
-
A healthy Graafian follicle is essential for normal female fertility.
-
Researchers examined the structure of the Graafian follicle in laboratory animals.
-
The Graafian follicle is essential for egg development.
-
During ovulation, the Graafian follicle releases an egg.
-
A healthy Graafian follicle is essential for normal female fertility.
-
The Graafian follicle matures and releases an egg during ovulation.
-
Researchers examined the structure of the Graafian follicle in laboratory animals.
Synonyms
25
6.8
A small bag in the body that holds a growing hair or an egg
How Developed
- Specialized
- Specialized
25
6.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
Graafian + follicle
The headword combines an eponymic modifier 'Graafian' (a proper name with no lexical meaning for learners) with 'follicle', which does give the general category. A B1 learner who knows 'follicle' could infer this is a particular type of follicle but would not be able to derive the specific medical sense (a fluid-filled ovarian cavity supporting an egg) from the constituents alone, so the relation is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Graafian follicle is named after the scientist Regnier de Graaf, and the word follicle literally means a small 'bag' or pouch. This small fluid-filled 'bag' in the ovary surrounds and supports the egg and helps release it when the egg is mature, so the name points to the structure that holds and frees the egg.