proestrus

noun

pro·​es·​trus (ˌ)prō-ˈe-strəs 

: a period immediately preceding estrus characterized by preparatory physiological changes

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

proestrus

noun

pro·​es·​trus -ˈes-trəs 

variants or proestrum

-ˈes-trəm 

or chiefly British pro-oestrus or pro-oestrum

-ˈēs- 

: a preparatory period immediately preceding estrus and characterized by growth of graafian follicles, increased estrogenic activity, and alteration of uterine and vaginal mucosa