Noun: hibernation ,hI-bu(r)'ney-shun
- The torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter
"The groundhog's hibernation typically lasts until early spring"
- Cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals
"Bears enter a state of hibernation to survive the harsh winter months"
- The act of retiring into inactivity
"he emerged from his hibernation to make his first appearance in several years"
Derived forms: hibernations
Type of: dormancy, quiescence, quiescency, retiral [UK, dialect], retirement, torpidity, torpor
Encyclopedia: Hibernation