noun

colostrum

kuh-LOS-truhm

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Colostrum (noun) means a thick, nutrient-rich milk made by the mammary glands in the later stages of pregnancy and during the days right after giving birth. Example: “The newborn calf fed on colostrum shortly after birth.”

noun

medicine A thick, nutrient-rich milk made by the mammary glands in the later stages of pregnancy and during the days right after giving birth.

"The newborn calf fed on colostrum shortly after birth."

"Doctors encourage mothers to breastfeed early so the baby receives colostrum."

"Colostrum is thicker and richer than the milk that follows it."

How to use colostrum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishColostrum is the thick first milk that comes just before and after a baby or animal is born.

When to use it

Colostrum is a medical and biological term, used in clinical and farming contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of colostrum as the very first milk, produced before the regular milk supply begins.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

produce colostrum feed on colostrum colostrum production early colostrum colostrum from the mother

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The newborn calf fed on _____ shortly after birth.

Etymology

The word was borrowed directly from Latin colostrum, though the ultimate origin of the Latin term itself is not known.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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beestings first milk fore-milk

Frequently asked questions

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the thick, nutrient-rich milk that mammary glands produce in late pregnancy and during the first few days after birth.

Why is colostrum important for newborns?

It is the first milk a newborn receives, and it differs from ordinary milk that follows in the days after birth.

Is colostrum only in humans?

No, colostrum is produced by mammary glands generally, so it is found in other mammals as well as humans.

What is the meaning of colostrum?

"colostrum" (noun) means a thick, nutrient-rich milk made by the mammary glands in the later stages of pregnancy and during the days right after giving birth.