Definition

The time just before a female animal is ready to mate, during which her body prepares for reproduction.

Example

During proestrus, the female dog's body undergoes changes to prepare for mating.

Conversation

Did you know that female mammals go through a phase called proestrus?

Really? I didn't know that was a thing.

Yeah, it's the period just before they come into heat.

That's interesting! I guess there's a lot going on in their bodies during that time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Proestrus is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "estrus" (from Greek "oistros", meaning a state of sexual excitement or heat). The term refers to the phase that occurs before the estrus cycle in female mammals, indicating the period leading up to sexual receptivity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pro-') the 'heat' ('estrus') phase in animals — that's what proestrus means.

Visually Confused Words