anoestrus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

While both are parts of the estrous cycle where the female is not in heat, 'dioestrus' is a specific, shorter phase following ovulation and characterised by high progesterone. 'Anoestrus' is a broader, longer period of sexual inactivity, often seasonal or physiological (e.g., postpartum, lactational), where the cycle is essentially paused.

No. 'Anoestrus' is a term strictly for non-primate mammals. Humans have a menstrual cycle, not an estrous cycle. The comparable state of reproductive inactivity in humans would be described with terms like 'pre-puberty', 'post-menopause', or specific conditions like 'functional hypothalamic amenorrhea'.

It's a historic orthographic difference between British and American English. The word derives from Greek, where the original 'oi' diphthong was often Latinised as 'oe'. British English traditionally retained this 'oe' (as in oesophagus, foetus), while American English simplified it to 'e' (esophagus, fetus). The American spelling is now dominant in international science.

No. Anoestrus is a natural, temporary, and reversible physiological state. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical, permanent removal of the ovaries, which permanently ends the estrous cycle. A spayed animal is not in anoestrus; it is incapable of any cycle.

A period of sexual quiescence or inactivity in female mammals, during which ovulation does not occur and they are not receptive to mating.

Anoestrus is usually technical/scientific (veterinary, zoology, animal physiology) in register.

Anoestrus: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈiːstrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈɛstrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.