corpus luteum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 - Very low frequency, specialized/technicalTechnical/Scientific - used almost exclusively in medical, biological, and reproductive health contexts.
Quick answer
What does “corpus luteum” mean?
a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that forms from a follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that forms from a follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy.
In medical and biological contexts, it refers specifically to the hormonally active remains of the ovarian follicle; metaphorically, it can symbolize cyclical renewal, transience, or a critical but temporary support structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely technical/clinical in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, confined to professional discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “corpus luteum” in a Sentence
The corpus luteum VERB (e.g., secretes, forms, regresses)VERB (e.g., maintain, support, examine) the corpus luteumVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corpus luteum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The luteal phase is governed by the corpus luteum.
- A corpus luteum cyst was detected on the scan.
American English
- The luteal phase is governed by the corpus luteum.
- A corpus luteum cyst was detected on the ultrasound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Central term in reproductive biology, physiology, and medical textbooks. Used in research papers on fertility, menstruation, and hormone therapy.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Essential in clinical medicine (obstetrics/gynaecology), endocrinology, veterinary science, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corpus luteum”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corpus luteum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corpus luteum”
- Incorrect plural: 'corpus luteums' (correct: 'corpora lutea').
- Mispronunciation: stressing 'corpus' as in linguistic corpus (COR-pus) rather than the first syllable being weaker (KOR-pus).
- Misspelling: 'corpus luteum', 'corpus lutem'.
- Using it outside a biological/medical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The singular is 'corpus luteum'. The plural is 'corpora lutea', following Latin grammatical rules.
No. The corpus luteum forms specifically from the ruptured ovarian follicle *after* ovulation. Anovulatory cycles do not produce a true corpus luteum.
Most are benign, functional cysts that resolve on their own. However, they can sometimes cause pain or, rarely, complications like rupture or haemorrhage, requiring medical attention.
The name comes from its gross anatomical appearance in many mammals, where it has a distinct yellowish colour due to the accumulation of lipid precursors and pigments like carotenoids.
a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that forms from a follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy.
Corpus luteum is usually technical/scientific - used almost exclusively in medical, biological, and reproductive health contexts. in register.
Corpus luteum: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔː.pəs ˈluː.tɪ.əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.pəs ˈluː.t̬i.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LUTE playing inside a CORPSE (corpus) to celebrate a temporary victory – the lute is yellow and only appears for a short time after the egg's release.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CORPUS LUTEUM IS A TEMPORARY FACTORY (producing progesterone). / IT IS A PHOENIX (arising from the remains of the follicle, has a brief life of function, then turns to ash/albicans).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hormone secreted by the corpus luteum?