noun
rut
A period of heightened mating activity in certain mammals.
Male elk compete for mates during the rut each fall.
Etymology
The French word links the mating season with the roaring of deer. English retained the seasonal reproductive sense for deer and other mammals.
More examples
- The rut brings changes in deer behavior.
- Bull moose can become aggressive during the rut.
- Researchers compare the timing of ruts across several deer populations.
Forms
rut · ruts
Similar words
- heat
- Usually describes an individual female's receptive period, not a mating season.
- estrus
- Specifically names the female reproductive phase when mating is accepted.