Definition

A phase in female mammals where there is a temporary pause in sexual activity between two heat cycles, allowing the uterus to get ready for a fertilized egg.

Example

After the mating season, the female dog entered diestrus, preparing her body for potential pregnancy.

Conversation

I was reading about animal behavior, and I came across the term diestrus.

Oh really? What does that mean?

It's the phase when female mammals have a break between their heat cycles, preparing for pregnancy during diestrus.

That’s interesting! I didn’t know that animals have such specific cycles.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Diestrus** → The word is derived from the Greek "dios" (meaning day) and "strus" (from "strous", meaning to turn or to change). It refers to the period in the reproductive cycle of certain animals that occurs twice a year, indicating a change in reproductive status.

Memory Tip

Think of 'day' ('dios') and 'change' ('strous') to remember that diestrus refers to a time of change in the reproductive cycle that happens twice a year.

Visually Confused Words