'ovulant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ovulum' (a diminutive of 'ovum'), where 'ovum' meant 'egg', combined with the Latin-derived adjectival/agent suffix '-ant' (from present-participle suffix '-ans').

'ovulant' developed via New Latin/modern medical formation from Latin 'ovulum' and the participial/agent-forming element '-ans' (through forms like New Latin 'ovulans'), influenced by the verb 'ovulate' (from Latin 'ovulare'), and eventually entered English as 'ovulant'.

Initially it meant 'relating to or causing the release of an egg (ovum)'; this basic sense has been retained in modern medical usage as 'pertaining to or inducing ovulation'.