hibernation

[hahy-ber-ney-shuhn]

noun

1. a state of winter dormancy in some animals, in which normal annual rhythms slow the heart, breathing, and metabolic rates to a minimum, and the animal sleeps deeply in protective quarters.

hibernation

1. An inactive state resembling deep sleep in which certain animals living in cold climates pass the winter. In hibernation, the body temperature is lowered and breathing and heart rates slow down. Hibernation protects the animal from cold and reduces the need for food during the season when food is scarce.

2. Compare estivation

hibernation

1. Passing the winter in a sleeping or inactive condition. Bears, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and several other kinds of animals hibernate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibernation¹

First recorded in 1680–90; hibernat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Other “super-natural” creatures include painted turtles, who survive winter in frozen ponds; during underwater hibernation, they can breathe by dissolving oxygen through their shells.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some will double their weight to prepare for wintertime hibernation, often scavenging for calories for up to 20 hours per day.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“In a great hibernation. There are rumors as to why, but no one quite knows. We’re on her Oceans now, sailing across her body.”

Read more on Literature

When the alpine climate eventually cooled, the species developed survival strategies such as hibernation.

Read more on Science Daily

Experts Koike and Ohnishi said hibernation patterns had not shifted and the bears would soon go to sleep for the winter.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• coma 
• dream 
• slumber 
• trance