oestrus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun applies to nonhuman mammals: a state or period of heightened sexual arousal and activity
    estrus; heat; rut.
  2. noun type genus of the Oestridae: sheep botflies
    genus Oestrus.

WordNet

OEs"trus noun (Also<
  • OEstrus
  • Estrus
)
Etymology
L., a gadfly; also, frenzy, fr.Gr. gadfly; hence, sting, fury, insane desire, frenzy.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A genus of gadflies. The species which deposits its larvæ in the nasal cavities of sheep is oestrus ovis.
  2. A vehement desire; esp. (Physiol.), the periodical sexual impulse of animals; heat; rut.

Webster 1913