hibernate
[ hi-ber-neyt ]
/ ˈhɪ bərˌneɪt /
verb (used without object), hi·ber·nat·ed, hi·ber·nat·ing.
Zoology.
to spend the winter in close quarters in a dormant condition, as bears and certain other animals.
Compare estivate.
to withdraw or be in seclusion; retire.
to winter in a place with a milder climate: Each winter finds us hibernating in Florida.
Origin of hibernate
OTHER WORDS FROM hibernate
hi·ber·na·tion, noun hi·ber·na·tor, noun post·hi·ber·na·tion, adjective sem·i·hi·ber·na·tion, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hibernate
estivate hibernateWords nearby hibernate
hibachi,
hibakusha,
hibbing,
hibernaculum,
hibernal,
hibernate,
hibernation,
hibernia,
hibernian,
hibernicism,
hibernicize
Example sentences from the Web for hibernation
British Dictionary definitions for hibernation
hibernate
/ (ˈhaɪbəˌneɪt) /
verb (intr)
(of some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) to pass the winter in a dormant condition with metabolism greatly slowed down
Compare aestivate
to cease from activity
Derived forms of hibernate
hibernation, noun hibernator, nounWord Origin for hibernate
C19: from Latin
hībernāre to spend the winter, from
hībernus of winter, from
hiems winter
Scientific definitions for hibernation
hibernation
[ hī′bər-nā′shən ]
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. Compare estivation.
Cultural definitions for hibernation
hibernation
Passing the winter in a sleeping or inactive condition. Bears, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and several other kinds of animals hibernate.