The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
noun-plural. The monthly flow of blood and cellular debris from the uterus that begins at puberty in women and the females of other primates. In women, menses ceases at menopause. Also called catamenia.
n. The discharge of blood mixed with pieces of cellular tissue from the uterus of a female out through her vagina, which occurs roughly every month; menstrual flow.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun-plural. The catamenial or menstrual discharge, a periodic flow of blood or bloody fluid from the uterus or female generative organs.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Catamenial or monthly discharges; a periodic constitutional flow of blood or bloody fluid from the mucous coat of the uterus of a female, as a woman, monkey, bitch, or other mammal.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause
Word Usage
"Coition during the menses is forbidden by all Eastern faiths under the severest penalties."