estrous cycle
nounUK /ˈiːstrəs ˈsaɪkəl/
US /ˈestrəs ˈsaɪkəl/
The repeating pattern of changes in a female animal's body that prepares it for having babies.
The vet explained that the dog's estrous cycle happens about twice a year.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The series of hormonal events that make a female mammal ready to mate.
Researchers tracked the estrous cycle to predict when the mares would be fertile.
3. The time-based rhythm of fertility in non-human female mammals.
Unlike the human menstrual cycle, the estrous cycle is often tied to seasonal breeding.
4. A biological schedule that repeats until pregnancy or the season ends.
The farmer noted the estrous cycle of the ewes to plan lambing season.