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monoestrous

monoestrous

9.9
Having one breeding season each year
  • adjective
  • /ˌmɒnəˈɛstrəs/
  • Specialized
: monoestró
  • Unlike dogs, which are polyestrous, wolves are monoestrous and mate only in late winter.

Examples

  • Most wild foxes are monoestrous, breeding only once during the year.

  • The monoestrous reproductive pattern is common among large mammals such as bears and deer.

  • The monoestrous nature of the species is fascinating.

  • Some animals are monoestrous and only breed once a year.

  • Most wild foxes are monoestrous, breeding only once during the year.

  • The monoestrous reproductive pattern is common among large mammals such as bears and deer.

  • Unlike dogs, which are polyestrous, wolves are monoestrous and mate only in late winter.

Surface Forms

monoestrous positive
monoestrous comparative
monoestrous superlative

Morphology

monoestrous = estrous (transparent) = mono + estrous

The meaning is directly compositional: 'mono-' means one, and 'estrous' refers to having an estrous cycle.

Etymology

Monoestrous comes from mono- meaning 'one', as in monologue, and estrous from estrus meaning 'heat' or 'in season'. So a monoestrous animal has only one breeding cycle each year.