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

Feminism had gone into partial hibernation during the 1990s, saddled with a reputation for severity and humorlessness.

From The Daily Beast

The study also noted that bear attacks mostly occurred during August, when bears are gearing up for hibernation and seeking food.

From The Daily Beast

A new fawning documentary, however, hopes to lure the Mama Grizzly out of campaign hibernation.

From The Daily Beast

The big man wheeled around like a bear aroused from hibernation.

From Project Gutenberg

It's more of a coma, something like the hibernation of a bear or a possum.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed it was what it seemed—War emerging from his hibernation and waking up to kill again.

From Project Gutenberg

The bat's secret appears to be that he is not the bird-mammal, but the mammal-insect: economy of tissue, hibernation.

From Project Gutenberg

There have been many singular popular notions about the hibernation of various animals.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coma
• dream
• slumber
• trance