Main Entry:

men·o·pause

Pronunciation:

\ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz, ˈmē-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

French ménopause, from méno- men- + pause stop, pause

Date:

1872

1: the natural cessation of menstruation that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 ; also : the period during which such cessation occurs —called also climacteric — compare perimenopause2: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes

— men·o·paus·al \ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl, ˌmē-\ adjective