Definition
diestrum
noun
- A period of sexual inactivity or quiescence in female mammals between estrous cycles.
Usage: biology; also spelled 'diestrus'
Examples
- During diestrum, the female dog shows no signs of receptivity to mating.
- The diestrum phase follows estrus and precedes the next reproductive cycle.
- Hormonal changes during diestrum prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy.
- Many mammals experience a prolonged diestrum between breeding seasons.
- Veterinarians monitor diestrum to understand reproductive health in domestic animals.