diapause

[ dahy-uh-pawz ]
/ ˈdaɪ əˌpɔz /
Zoology

noun

a period of hormonally controlled quiescence, especially in immature insects, characterized by cessation of growth and reduction of metabolic activity, often occurring seasonally or when environmental conditions are unfavorable.

verb (used without object), di·a·paused, di·a·paus·ing.

to undergo diapause.

Origin of diapause

1890–95; < Greek diápausis; see dia-, pause

British Dictionary definitions for diapause

diapause
/ (ˈdaɪəˌpɔːz) /

noun

a period of suspended development and growth accompanied by decreased metabolism in insects and some other animals. It is correlated with seasonal changes

Word Origin for diapause

C19: from Greek diapausis pause, from diapauein to pause, bring to an end, from dia- + pauein to stop

Medical definitions for diapause

diapause
[ dīə-pôz′ ]

n.

A period during which growth or development is suspended and physiological activity is diminished, as in certain insects in response to adverse environmental conditions.