rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymenopauseEnd of menstrual cycles
noun

menopause

MEN-uh-pawz/ˈmenəpɔːz/

The natural, permanent end of menstrual cycles, usually in midlife.

After menopause, she stores her remaining menstrual supplies on a high closet shelf.

A middle-aged woman calmly stores her remaining menstrual supplies in a plain box on a high closet shelf, a quiet everyday-life illustration of no longer needing them after natural menopause.
Etymology
menoGreekmonth
+pauseGreekcessation

The combination refers to the cessation of the “monthly courses,” an older expression for menstruation. It names the final ending of that recurring cycle.

In context

Osmosis from Elsevier0:55
Following menarche, the menstrual cycle recurs on a monthly basis, pausing only during pregnancy, until a person reaches menopause, when her ovarian function declines and she stops having menstrual periods.
The menstrual cycle

More examples

  • Menopause usually occurs in midlife.
  • Her doctor explains that menopause marks the permanent end of menstrual cycles.
  • Hot flashes can continue after menopause.

Forms

menopause

menopausal adjective — Relating to or occurring around menopause.