Word: Menopause
Definition:
Menopause is a noun that refers to the time in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop permanently. This usually happens in middle age, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of her ability to have children.
Usage Instructions:
- Use "menopause" when talking about this specific stage in a woman’s life. - It is often discussed in contexts related to health, aging, and women's issues.
Example Sentence:
"Many women experience various symptoms during menopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes."
Advanced Usage:
In a more advanced context, menopause can be discussed in terms of its psychological and physical impacts on women, as well as the different stages leading up to it, such as perimenopause (the time before menopause when symptoms may begin).
Word Variants:
- Menopausal (adjective): Relating to menopause. - Example: "She is experiencing menopausal symptoms." - Perimenopause (noun): The transitional phase before menopause. - Example: "Perimenopause can begin several years before menopause."
Different Meanings:
The term "menopause" primarily refers to the biological condition in women. It does not have widely recognized alternative meanings outside this context.
Synonyms:
- Climacteric (more technical term) - Change of life (informal phrase)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "menopause." However, you may hear phrases like "going through menopause" or "hitting menopause," which simply refer to experiencing the changes associated with this stage of life.
Summary:
Menopause is an important stage in a woman’s life, signifying the end of her menstrual cycles and reproductive ability.