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estrous

American  
[es-truhs] / ˈɛs trəs /

adjective

Zoology.
  1. relating to or involving the period of maximum sexual receptivity of a female mammal.


Etymology

Origin of estrous

First recorded in 1895–1900; oestrous

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.

This process is similar in other female mammals, where it is called the estrous cycle.

From Science Daily

But the estrous cycle has little to do with how female mice behave, according to a new study that used machine-learning software to track the second-to-second behavior of animals exploring an open space.

From New York Times

But even in non-stressful situations, female cheetahs' estrous cycles are extremely unpredictable.

From Scientific American

“The reactions will range from hostile — ‘You can’t make me do that’ — to ‘Oh, I don’t want to control for the estrous cycle,'” she said.

From New York Times

Zoos see low rates of conception, irregular cycles of estrous among females, and pairs recommended for breeding often simply fail to mate.

From Scientific American