menses

American  

[men-seez] / ˈmɛn siz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the periodic flow of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus; menstrual flow.

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menses British  

/ ˈmɛnsiːz /

noun

1. another name for menstruation

2. the period of time, usually from three to five days, during which menstruation occurs

3. the matter discharged during menstruation

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menses Scientific  

/ mĕn′sēz /

1. See menstruation

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Etymology

Origin of menses

1590–1600; < Latin mēnsēs, plural of mēnsis month

Example Sentences

"Discrepancies in the incidence of who gets migraine attacks associated with menses is likely due to premenopausal women having more regular menstrual cycles and thus more menstrual-related migraines," says Ailani.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2024

But restoring the menses before quickening was neither immoral or illegal.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2022

Nonetheless, women continued to restore their menses with home treatments and induced early abortions before quickening as permitted by common law.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2022

Elizabeth Ward, a Boston-based dietitian and co-author of “The Menopause Diet Plan,” notes that sudden changes in weight can also affect menses.

From Washington Post • Aug. 21, 2020

This 73 brings more work for the womb to do, while the menses, as they are called, continue, and therefore you may feel out of sorts both mentally and bodily for two or three days.

From Every Girl's Book by Butler, George Frank