dormancy

[ dawr-muhn-see ]

noun

1. the state of being dormant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dormancy¹

First recorded in 1780–90; dorm(ant) + -ancy

Example Sentences

Laid during the fall to hatch the next spring, the eggs’ shells are coated with a thick layer of wax to prevent them from drying out during their long dormancy.

From Popular-Science

The volcano may now return to a period of dormancy after releasing its fury.

From Science News

In March 2012, unusually warm temperatures in Michigan caused vegetation to emerge from dormancy early, but then were subsequently destroyed by freezing weather in April.

From Washington Post

The trees need that chill to induce dormancy, a frost-free spring to let the blossoms bloom and bees pollinate — though sour cherry trees are also self-pollinating.

From Washington Post

Microbes surviving for millions of years in deep dormancy upend evolution.

From Nautilus

Instead, he found that they developed erratically and sometimes experienced periods of dormancy before reawakening.

From The Daily Beast

The result was a long dormancy in which many Democrats became uncomfortable with open expressions of faith.

From The Daily Beast

It has now to be shewn that the germs of disease also retain their vital powers in a state of dormancy during a lengthened period.

From Project Gutenberg

The activity of the plague in London in 1563 made up for its dormancy in the years preceding.

From Project Gutenberg

A distinction of great importance from a physiological and a practical point of view is made between rest and dormancy in plants.

From Project Gutenberg

Men wonder at mummy-wheat germinating after a thousand years of dormancy.

From Project Gutenberg

In the locality of my study racers spend approximately half the year in winter dormancy.

From Project Gutenberg