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menstrual

American  
[men-stroo-uhl, -struhl] / ˈmɛn stru əl, -strəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to menstruation or to the menses.

  2. Archaic. monthly.


ˈmenstrual British  
/ ˈmɛnstrʊəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to menstruation or the menses

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • intermenstrual adjective
  • postmenstrual adjective
  • premenstrual adjective
  • premenstrually adverb

Etymology

Origin of menstrual

1350–1400; Middle English menstruall < Latin mēnstruālis having monthly courses, equivalent to mēnstru ( a ) monthly courses (noun use of neuter plural of mēnstruus monthly; mēnstr- ( semester ) + -uus adj. suffix, probably on the model of annuus annual ) + -ālis -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

During perimenopause—the period of time that can last years, before a woman’s menstrual cycle ends—dropping estrogen levels can thin and dry skin, he said, and suggested that I put lotion on before bed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Research suggests that pills which flatten the natural ebb and flow of fertility can dampen shifts in attraction that typically occur across the menstrual cycle, potentially altering initial mate choice.

From BBC

Menopause marks the stage of life when a woman's menstrual periods permanently stop due to declining hormone levels.

From Science Daily

These cells can get larger and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, causing pain, inflammation and scar tissue.

From BBC

The researchers say using menstrual blood for HPV testing is "convenient" - not only respecting women's privacy, but also reducing their discomfort.

From BBC