| oestrus | 1. <zoology> A genus of gadflies. The species which deposits its larvae in the nasal cavities of sheep is oestrus ovis. 2. A vehement desire; especially. <physiology> The periodical sexual impulse of animals; heat; rut. Origin: L, a gadfly; also, frenzy, fr.Gr. Gadfly; hence, sting, fury, insane desire, frenzy. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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