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Glite Dictionary
lactiferous duct

lactiferous duct

7.5
A tube in the breast that carries milk to the nipple
  • noun
  • /ˌlæktɪˈfɪrəs dʌkt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : conducto lactífero
  • Each lactiferous duct carries milk from the lobules to the nipple during breastfeeding.

Examples

  • Each lactiferous duct carries milk toward the nipple during breastfeeding.

  • The lactiferous duct transports milk to the nipple.

  • Blockage of a lactiferous duct can lead to discomfort and swelling in the breast.

  • Doctors examined the lactiferous ducts for signs of infection.

  • During breastfeeding, the lactiferous ducts play a crucial role.

  • Doctors examined the lactiferous ducts to assess their function in milk delivery.

  • Blockage of a lactiferous duct can lead to painful conditions for nursing mothers.

Surface Forms

lactiferous duct singular
lactiferous ducts plural

Morphology

lactiferous + duct

The phrase is fully compositional: 'lactiferous' (milk-bearing) modifies 'duct' (a hollow channel), so together they straightforwardly denote a milk-carrying channel from the gland to the nipple. Note that 'lactiferous' is specialist vocabulary that many B1 learners may not know, but if a learner knows both constituents the overall meaning is directly derivable.

Etymology

The noun lactiferous duct comes from parts: lactiferous (meaning 'milk-carrying') and duct (a tube). So it literally pictures a small tube that carries milk to the nipple, and that's why the name is used for the milk channel in the breast.