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 perimenopause
2 : cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes

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