Definition

Referring to animals that have only one reproductive cycle each year.

Example

The monestrous species only breeds once annually, making their reproductive period very specific.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are monestrous?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they only have one breeding season each year.

That’s interesting! I wonder how that affects their behavior.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Monestrous → It is formed from "mono-" (meaning one) and "estrus" (from Greek "oistros", meaning a state of sexual excitement). The word "monestrous" refers to an organism that has only one estrous cycle per year.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning one, and 'estrus' referring to a state of sexual excitement — this helps you remember that 'monestrous' describes an animal with just one cycle of sexual excitement each year.

Visually Confused Words