estivate

[ es-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used without object)

, es·ti·vat·ed, es·ti·vat·ing.

1. to spend the summer, as at a specific place or in a certain activity.
2. Zoology. to spend a hot, dry season in an inactive, dormant state, as certain reptiles, snails, insects, and small mammals. Compare hibernate ( def 1 ).

estivate

/ ˈɛs-; ˈiːstɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. intr the usual US spelling of aestivate

Derived Forms

• ˈestiˌvator, noun

Other Words From

• esti·vator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of estivate¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin aestīvātus, past participle of aestīvāre “to reside during the summer” (akin to aestīvus “of or relating to summer”); -ate ¹

Example Sentences

If they were dry, they would be estivating, or excreting a thick coating of mucus around their bodies.

From New York Times