torpor

[ tawr-per ]

noun

1. sluggish inactivity or inertia.
2. lethargic indifference; apathy.

   Synonyms: listlessness, stolidity, lethargy

3. a state of suspended physical powers and activities.
4. dormancy, as of a hibernating animal.

   Synonyms: drowsiness, sleepiness, slumber

torpor

/ ˈtɔːpə /

noun

1. a state of torpidity

Derived Forms

• ˌtorporˈific, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of torpor¹

1600–10; < Latin: numbness, equivalent to torp ( ēre ) to be stiff or numb + -or -or ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of torpor¹

C17: from Latin: inactivity, from torpēre to be motionless

Example Sentences

While their immune systems keep the fungus at bay when the bat is active, the fungus gains the upper hand once the bats enter their state of torpor.

From Salon

Owen’s torpor — his froggy, monotone way of talking, his incessant, suppressed discomfort — is draining.

From Los Angeles Times

He was in one of his reptilian torpors again.

From Literature

What unfolded was the exact opposite of the torpor in Calcutta.

From BBC

However, they did discover that the ATP turnover time of myosin molecules in both formations was lower in IBA and torpor compared to the SA phase, leading to an unexpected overall increase in ATP consumption.

From Science Daily