Definition

1. Noun:
   • The milk-secreting organ of female mammals: The anatomical structure, typically a gland, that produces and secretes milk for nourishing offspring. This is the formal, biological term.
   • Informal term for a mother: A child's word for "mother," often used as a familiar or affectionate form of address. This usage is considered informal and is a variant spelling of "mama."

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Anatomical):
  • The mammary gland, or mamma, develops during pregnancy.
  • Lactation occurs within the mammae of the female.
• Noun (Informal for mother):
  • The little boy ran to his mamma.
  • "I want my mamma," the child cried.

Advanced Usage

• The plural form "mammae" is used specifically in anatomical and zoological contexts to refer to the mammary glands.
  • The number of mammae varies among different mammalian species.

Variants and Related Words

• Mama (n): The more common informal spelling for "mother."
• Momma (n): Another informal variant for "mother," common in American English.
• Mammary (adj): Relating to the mamma or breast (e.g., ).
• Mammal (n): A class of animals characterized by the presence of mammae.

Synonyms

• For "mother": Mama, mom, mum, mommy, mummy (all informal).
• For the organ: Mammary gland, breast, teat (specific to animals), udder (specific to cows, goats, etc.).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The two primary meanings are distinct: one is a formal biological term, and the other is an informal, familial term. Context always clarifies which meaning is intended.
• The informal meaning is identical to "mama" and conveys warmth, familiarity, or childish speech.

Noun

1. milk-secreting organ of female mammals
2. informal terms for a mother