hibernaculum

[ hahy-ber-nak-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural hi·ber·nac·u·la [hahy-ber-, nak, -y, uh, -l, uh].

1. a protective case or covering, especially for winter, as of an animal or a plant bud.
2. winter quarters, as of a hibernating animal.

hibernaculum

/ ˌhaɪbəˈnækjʊləm; ˈhaɪbəˌnækəl /

noun

1. the winter quarters of a hibernating animal
2. the protective case or covering of a plant bud or animal

hibernaculum

/ hī′-bər-năk′yə-ləm /

1. A protective case, covering, or structure, such as a plant bud, in which an organism remains dormant for the winter.
2. The shelter of a hibernating animal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibernaculum¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Latin hībernāculum “winter residence,” equivalent to hībernā(re) “to spend the winter” + -culum suffix denoting place

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibernaculum¹

C17: from Latin: winter residence; see hibernate

Example Sentences

It seems that having migrated to a ledge, the racer promptly finds its hibernaculum and retires for the winter.

From Project Gutenberg

This trend suggests that over periods of years a racer is likely to shift its range or its hibernaculum or both.

From Project Gutenberg

Young caterpillar with hibernaculum (h); caterpillar and chrysalis.

From Project Gutenberg

Hibernaculum: a tent or sheath made out of a leaf or other material in which a larva hides or hibernates.

From Project Gutenberg

Soil temperatures were taken in the present study only when the turtle was in a form, hibernaculum, or den.

From Project Gutenberg