(ˈiːstrəs, ˈɛstrəs) or US estrus or US estrum (ˈiːstrəm, ˈɛstrəm)
noun
a regularly occurring period of sexual receptivity in most female mammals, except humans, during which ovulation occurs and copulation can take place; heat
Derived forms
oestrous (ˈoestrous) or oestral (ˈoestral), USestrous (ˈestrous) or estral (ˈestral)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from Latin oestrus gadfly, hence frenzy, from Greek oistros