lactation

noun

lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce lactation (audio)
plural lactations
1
: the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
… there may be overproduction of prolactin, the breast milk hormone. A sign of that might be abnormal lactation.Paul G. Donohue
When a doe kids and begins lactation, she must draw on the calcium stored in her bones to furnish enough blood calcium for milk production.David B. Weems
lactation rooms where mothers can express milk for baby.Shawn Tully
… the infants of mothers given the names of lactation support groups or individuals instead are more likely to be fully breast-feeding at four months.Barbara Quick
2
: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of birthing to weaning
… cows fed 1.1 percent bicarb in the total ration produced an average 17,587 lbs. of milk per lactationEastern Milk Producer
lactational adjective
lactational mastitis

Examples of lactation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, if any of these issues continue beyond a few days or get worse, seek help from a health care provider or lactation consultant. Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 30 July 2024 Other medical occupation certificates offered at SCC include behavior technician, care giver/personal aid, lactation educator specialist and medical billing. Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024 Breast pumps and lactation supplies, such as pump accessories, nursing pads, milk storage bags and nipple cream/ointments. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Studies have been inconclusive as to its effect on breastfeeding people and lactation, so as always consult with a medical provider about fenugreek use and safety.9 3. Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lactation 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactation was circa 1837

Dictionary Entries Near lactation

Cite this Entry

“Lactation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactation. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lactation

noun
lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce lactation (audio)
1
: the secretion and yielding of milk by the mammary gland
2
: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of parturition to weaning
lactational adjective
lactationally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!