hibernation

[ hahy-ber-ney-shuhn ]

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. Compare brumation ( def ).

hibernation

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibernation¹

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

Example Sentences

The research employed a combination of field and laboratory studies, starting with quantifying pesticide residues at suitable hibernation sites for bumble bee queens on Ontario farms.

From Science Daily

Because white-nose syndrome causes bats to shed fat during hibernation, the idea is that heftier bats will better withstand the often fatal physiological disruption, according to Frick.

From Los Angeles Times

It infects their skin and causes them to awaken from their winter hibernation early, often either freezing or starving to death.

From Salon

While there’s some pretty lighting in the hibernation pods, the creative choices made around John’s hallucinations are predictable and pat.

From Los Angeles Times

When it’s chilly, they chill out to conserve energy — going into a type of insect hibernation called overwintering, Gonzalez said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance