adjective
- relating to or denoting the recurring period of sexual receptivity in female mammals (the estrous cycle)
Usage: chiefly British spelling; American English typically uses 'estrous'; technical/biological term
Examples
- The oestrous cycle in dogs typically lasts about 21 days.
- Female mammals exhibit behavioral changes during their oestrous period.
- Researchers studied the oestrous patterns of wild horses in the study.
- The oestrous phase is when the female is most receptive to mating.
- Veterinarians monitor the oestrous cycle to determine optimal breeding times.