estivation

[ es-tuh-vey-shuhn ]

noun

1. Zoology. the act of estivating.
2. Botany. the arrangement of the parts of a flower in the bud.

estivation

/ ˌiːstɪˈveɪʃən; ˌɛs- /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of aestivation

estivation

/ ĕs′tə-vā′shən /

1. An inactive state resembling deep sleep, in which some animals living in hot climates, such as certain snails, pass the summer. Estivation protects these animals against heat and dryness.
2. Compare hibernation

Word History and Origins

Origin of estivation¹

First recorded in 1615–25; estivate + -ion

Example Sentences

The dry season here is not excessive, nor is there any estivation, as in some tropical countries.

From Project Gutenberg

It was clear that nature was in preparation for her estivation.

From Project Gutenberg

First, it may be remembered that this period corresponds nearly to the active life of the animal before and after estivation.

From Project Gutenberg