Imetakse

Imetakse is a term found in the Estonian language. It is the passive present tense form of the verb imetama, which means to suckle or to breastfeed; in English it is often rendered as “is suckled” or “is being suckled.” The form is used when the doer of the action is not specified or is generalized. In medical and veterinary contexts, imetakse is used to describe the act of nursing by a parent to an infant or by a dam to offspring. The concept is central to discussions of infant nutrition, maternal behavior in mammals, and livestock management. The noun imetamine refers to the process of nursing or suckling, and related terms cover aspects of infant care or mammalian development. The word is a standard part of the Estonian lexicon and appears in educational materials and technical writing as well as everyday speech. It does not function as a proper noun. Linguistically, imetakse illustrates the Estonian passive voice combined with present tense marking, reflecting how the language expresses agency and temporality. See also Estonian language, nursing, suckling, lactation.