oestrus

See also Oestrus

English

Alternative forms

œstrus, estrus (U.S.)

Etymology

From the Latin oestrus (“gadfly”, “sting”, “frenzy”), from the Ancient Greek οἶστρος (oistros), from Proto-Indo-European *eis, used to form words denoting passion; see also Latin ira (“anger”), Lithuanian aistra (“violent passion”), Avestan aesma (“anger”)

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈiːstɹəs/

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Particularly: "UK"

Noun

oestrus (plural oestruses)

A biting fly of the genus Oestrus; a botfly.
A bite or sting.
(archaic) A passion or frenzy.
A female animal's readiness to mate; heat, rut.
- 2001, David Lodge, Thinks...
  ‘It’s the supremely human act, freely to fuck, not because you are on heat, or in oestrus, like an animal, but to give and receive pleasure.’