anoestrum
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- applies to nonhuman mammals: a state or interval of sexual inactivity between two periods of estrus