noun
heat
The period when a female animal is receptive to mating.
The mare is in heat and receptive to a stallion.
Etymology
The reproductive sense uses warmth as an image for heightened sexual activity. It names the recurring period when a female animal is receptive to mating.
More examples
- The breeder recorded when each animal came into heat.
- Her dog showed signs of heat.
- The veterinarian explained the timing of the next heat.
Forms
heat
Similar words
- estrus
- The technical biological term for this reproductive phase.