lactation
lak-TAY-shuhn
/lækˈteɪ.ʃən/
The secretion of milk by the mammary glands, or the period during which this milk is produced.
Refers to both the biological process of milk production and the specific time frame during which a female mammal produces milk.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin lactare ('to suckle' or 'give milk'), which comes from lac (genitive lactis), meaning 'milk.' This root also gives us words like 'lactose' and 'galaxy' (via Greek gala, galaktos, referring to the Milky Way).
Word relationships
- milk production: Milk production is a general, commercial term, while lactation is the precise biological and physiological term.
Commonly confused with
- gestation: Gestation is the period of pregnancy, whereas lactation is the period of milk production after birth.
Word family
- lactate (verb): To secrete milk.
- lactational (adjective): Relating to lactation.
Collocations
- period of lactation
- induce lactation
- peak lactation
- lactation cycle
Example sentences
- "The peak of lactation in Holstein cows typically occurs about six to eight weeks after calving." A scientific study on dairy herd productivity.
Memory hook
Lactation starts with 'lac,' which sounds like 'lake' of milk, or is directly related to 'lactose' found in milk. Lactation is the action of milk creation.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the simple act of drinking milk or general dairy consumption.
Fun facts
- The length of lactation in commercial dairy cows is typically standardized to 305 days, followed by a 'dry period' to rest before the next calf.
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