hibernation

American  

[hahy-ber-ney-shuhn] / ˌhaɪ bərˈneɪ ʃən /

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 Scientific  

/ hī′bər-nā′shən /

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 Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of hibernation

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

Example Sentences

Read next: The Fed has gone into hibernation.

From MarketWatch

Read next: The Fed has gone into hibernation.

From MarketWatch

Figuring out how to mimic hibernation, allowing the human body to husband resources during long stretches of transport, could contribute to superiority in space.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance