estrous cycle

[ es-truhs sahy-kuhl ]

nounZoology.
  1. a series of physiological changes in sexual and other organs of most female mammals, extending from one period of heat to the next and accompanied by behavioral changes indicating interest in mating.

Origin of estrous cycle

1
First recorded in 1895–1900
  • Also estrus; especially British, oes·trous cy·cle [es-truhs sahy-kuhl, ee-struhs], /ˈɛs trəs ˌsaɪ kəl, ˈi strəs/, oestrus .

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Scientific definitions for estrous cycle

estrous cycle

[ ĕstrəs ]


  1. The series of changes that occur in the female of most mammals from one period of estrus to another. The estrous cycle usually takes place during the period known as the breeding season, which ensures that young are born at a time when the chance of survival is greatest. The length of the cycle varies from species to species.

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