lactation
- n the period following birth during which milk is secreted
lactation normally continues until weaning - n the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
- n feeding an infant by giving suck at the breast
lactic acid
- n a clear odorless hygroscopic syrupy carboxylic acid found in sour milk and in many fruits
lactiferous duct
- n ducts of the mammary gland that carry milk to the nipple
lactifuge
- n any agent that reduces milk secretion (as given to a woman who is not breast feeding)
lactobacillaceae
- n lactic acid bacteria and important pathogens; bacteria that ferment carbohydrates chiefly into lactic acid
lactobacillus
- n a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that produces lactic acid (especially in milk)
lactobacillus acidophilus
- n a bacterium that is used to make yogurt and to supplement probiotics
lactobacteriaceae
- n lactic acid bacteria and important pathogens; bacteria that ferment carbohydrates chiefly into lactic acid
lactoflavin
- n a B vitamin that prevents skin lesions and weight loss
lactogenic hormone
- n gonadotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary; in females it stimulates growth of the mammary glands and lactation after parturition
lactophrys quadricornis
- n trunkfish having hornlike spines over the eyes
lactose
- n a sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk
cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose
lactose intolerance
- n congenital disorder consisting of an inability to digest milk and milk products; absence or deficiency of lactase results in an inability to hydrolyze lactose
lactosuria
- n presence of lactose in the urine; can occur during pregnancy or lactation