estivate

[es-tuh-veyt]

verb (used without object)

estivated, estivating 

1. to spend the summer, as at a specific place or in a certain activity.

2. Zoology.,  to spend a hot, dry season in an inactive, dormant state, as certain reptiles, snails, insects, and small mammals.

estivate

/ ˈɛs-, ˈiːstɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. (intr) the usual US spelling of aestivate

Other Word Forms

• estivator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of estivate¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin aestīvātus, past participle of aestīvāre “to reside during the summer” (akin to aestīvus “of or relating to summer”); -ate ¹

Example Sentences

If they were dry, they would be estivating, or excreting a thick coating of mucus around their bodies.

Read more on New York Times