hibernation

/haɪbərˈneɪʃɪn/

/haɪbəˈneɪʃən/

Other forms: hibernations

Hibernation is a type of deep sleep some animals (like bears) go into during winter. Hibernation is like a long nap.

Have you ever wanted to skip from fall to spring? Some animals do just that by hibernating, which is a sleep-like state during which their metabolism slows and they conserve energy. Animals who hibernate do nothing: hibernation is a time of rest and inactivity, almost like a coma. People also use this word for other types of inactivity. For example, you could talk about the hibernation of an athlete who has taken a year off from competition.

Definitions of hibernation

1. noun

   the torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter
   type of:

   torpidity, torpor

   a state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility
2. noun

   cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals
   type of:

   dormancy, quiescence, quiescency

   a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction
3. noun

   the act of retiring into inactivity
   “he emerged from his hibernation to make his first appearance in several years”

   type of:

   retirement

   withdrawal from your position or occupation