noun
- A period of sexual inactivity or dormancy in animals, occurring between breeding seasons.
Usage: Also spelled 'anoestrus' in British English.; Commonly used in veterinary and zoological contexts.
Examples
- During anestrus, female mammals show no signs of sexual receptivity.
- The veterinarian explained that the dog's anestrus would last several months.
- Many wild animals enter anestrus during winter to conserve energy.
- Anestrus is a normal part of the reproductive cycle in most mammals.
- The mare remained in anestrus until spring arrived.