The word "mammary" is spelled /ˈmæməri/. Its first syllable, "mam," comes from the Latin "mamma," meaning breast. The second syllable, "ary," indicates its adjectival form. The pronunciation of the word is straightforward, with stress on the first syllable and a short vowel sound in both the first and second syllables. "Mammary" is commonly used in scientific and medical contexts to describe things related to the breasts, such as mammary glands or mammary tumors.
The term "mammary" refers to anything relating to, associated with, or characteristic of the mammary glands or the breasts. It primarily encompasses the anatomical structures, physiological functions, and features related to the female breast in mammals, including humans.
The mammary glands are specialized organs found in female mammals that secrete milk, which is essential for nourishing their newborn offspring. These glands are typically located on the chest region, anterior to the pectoral muscles. In humans, the mammary glands begin to develop during puberty and undergo further changes during pregnancy and lactation.
From a biological standpoint, the term "mammary" encompasses various aspects, such as the differentiation and development of breast tissue in females, the complex hormonal regulation that controls milk production, and the unique structures associated with breastfeeding, including the nipples and areolae.
In a broader context, "mammary" can also be used to describe diseases or medical conditions affecting the breasts, such as mammary tumors or mammary gland infections. Furthermore, it may refer to scientific studies and research focused on understanding the physiology, pathology, and treatment of mammary-related issues in both humans and other mammalian organisms.
Overall, "mammary" serves as a comprehensive adjective encompassing the diverse aspects of the female breast and its related functions, both from a biological and medical standpoint.
Pert. to the breasts.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mammary" comes from the Latin term "mamma", which means "breast" or "udder". The Latin word has its origins in the ancient Greek term "mazos", also referring to the "breast" or "mammary gland". Both Latin and Greek words are ultimately derived from an Indo-European root word "meh₂-", which means "to suckle" or "to nurse". Therefore, the etymology of the word "mammary" is connected to the idea of breastfeeding or the production of milk in the breasts of mammals.