Definition

Noun 1. A period of sexual inactivity: In nonhuman female mammals, anoestrum refers to the time between two periods of estrus (heat or sexual receptivity). During this phase, the reproductive cycle is inactive.

Usage Notes

• The term is specific to zoology, veterinary science, and animal biology.
• It is used almost exclusively for nonhuman mammals. The equivalent period in humans is typically called the or .
• It describes a physiological state or a time interval within the reproductive cycle.

Examples

• The researcher noted that the deer entered a period of following the breeding season.
• During , the female animal will not accept a mate.
• The duration of varies significantly between different mammalian species.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in anoestrum": Describes the state of a female mammal during this inactive phase.
  • The wolf is currently in anoestrum and shows no interest in the male.

Variants and Related Words

• Anestrus (noun): The more common modern spelling of the same term.
• Anestrous (adj): The adjective form, meaning "of or relating to anoestrum."
  • An anestrous female.
• Diestrus (noun): A similar period of sexual inactivity or quiescence in the estrous cycle.

Synonyms

• Sexual quiescence
• Diestrus (context-dependent)

Antonyms

• Estrus
• Heat
• Rut (for males)

Noun

1. applies to nonhuman mammals: a state or interval of sexual inactivity between two periods of estrus