estrus

[ es-truhs ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. the period of heat or rut; the period of maximum sexual receptivity of a female mammal.
2. estrous cycle ( def ).

estrus

/ ˈɛstrəs; ˈiːstrəs /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of oestrus

estrus

/ ĕs′trəs /

1. A regularly recurring period in female mammals other than humans during which the animal is sexually receptive. Estrus occurs around the time of ovulation.
2. Also called heat

Derived Forms

• ˈestrous, adjective

Other Words From

• es·trous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of estrus¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin oestrus oestrus