Definition

Describing a state in which an animal is not in heat or not experiencing the reproductive cycle.

Example

The female dog was anestrous, meaning she was not in heat at that time.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals can be anestrous during certain seasons?

Really? I didn't know that; what does it mean exactly?

It means they aren't in heat or showing signs of estrus at that time.

That makes sense! Nature has some interesting ways of regulating reproduction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anestrous → It is formed from "an-" (meaning without) and "estrus" (from Greek "oistros", meaning a state of sexual excitement or heat). The word "anestrous" refers to a period without estrus or sexual heat in animals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('an-') and 'heat' ('estrus') to remember that 'anestrous' means a time when there is no sexual excitement.

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