colostrum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “colostrum” mean?
The first milk produced by a mammal (especially humans and cows) after giving birth, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first milk produced by a mammal (especially humans and cows) after giving birth, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients.
A yellowish fluid, preceding true milk, secreted for the first few days after parturition. It is immunologically significant, providing passive immunity to the newborn.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of health, infancy, and biology in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “colostrum” in a Sentence
N of N (colostrum of the cow)N + Adj (bovine colostrum)V + N (ingest colostrum)N + V (colostrum provides)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colostrum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- colostrum-like fluid
- colostrum-rich
American English
- colostrum-based supplement
- colostrum-deprived calf
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used in the dairy, agricultural, or nutritional supplement industries (e.g., 'We market a bovine colostrum supplement.').
Academic
Common in medical, veterinary, biological, and nutritional science texts and research papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Used primarily by new parents, midwives, lactation consultants, or farmers.
Technical
The primary register. Precise term in pediatrics, neonatology, veterinary medicine, and immunology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colostrum”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colostrum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colostrum”
- Misspelling as 'colustrum' or 'collostrum'.
- Using it to refer to any early-stage milk, rather than the specific first secretion.
- Pronouncing it with stress on the first syllable: /ˈkɒləstrəm/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Colostrum is the first milk, produced in small quantities, is thicker and yellower, and is exceptionally rich in antibodies and immune cells. Mature milk comes later and has a different nutritional balance.
Yes, it is marketed as a dietary supplement. However, its benefits for human adults are debated, and it should not replace human colostrum for infants.
Typically for 2-5 days before transitioning to mature milk, though this can vary.
No, it is a non-count (mass) noun. You refer to 'some colostrum' or 'a quantity of colostrum', not 'a colostrum' or 'colostrums'.
The first milk produced by a mammal (especially humans and cows) after giving birth, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients.
Colostrum is usually technical/medical/scientific in register.
Colostrum: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈlɒstrəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈlɑːstrəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COLOur STRong UM' – the first milk is often yellowish (colour) and makes the newborn strong (str) with antibodies (um).
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOSTRUM IS A PROTECTIVE SHIELD / LIQUID IMMUNITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of colostrum?