estrus
estrus definition
es·trus (es′trəs; Brit usually ē′strəs)
noun
- the periodic sexual excitement of most female placental mammals, corresponding to rut in males; heat
- the period of this when the female will accept mating with the male, characterized by changes in the sex organs
Etymology: ModL < L oestrus, gadfly, horsefly, frenzy < Gr oistros, gadfly, sting, frenzy < IE base *eis-, to move violently > ON eisa, to rush on, L ira, ire, Lith aistra, violent passion
Also estrum es′·trum (-trəm)
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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