1. A period of sexual inactivity or dormancy in animals, occurring between breeding seasons.
Usage: Also spelled 'anoestrus' in British English.; Commonly used in veterinary and zoological contexts.

Examples

• During anestrus, female mammals show no signs of sexual receptivity.
• The veterinarian explained that the dog's anestrus would last several months.
• Many wild animals enter anestrus during winter to conserve energy.
• Anestrus is a normal part of the reproductive cycle in most mammals.
• The mare remained in anestrus until spring arrived.