Dormancy: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in biology or ecology to describe a period when an organism temporarily stops growing or functioning but can resume later. Often used with plants and insects.

• The seeds remain in dormancy until conditions are favorable for growth.
• During the winter, the frogs enter a state of dormancy.

Used to describe a state of not being active or engaged in activities. Commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts.

• Inactivity can lead to health problems.
• The project's inactivity was due to a lack of funding.

Used in more formal or technical contexts to describe a state of being quiet, still, or inactive. Often used in scientific or literary works.

• The volcano has been in a state of quiescence for over a century.
• The patient's quiescence suggests the treatment is working.

Often used in science fiction or medicine to describe a state where bodily functions are slowed down or stopped, preserving the organism in a near-death state. Also used metaphorically to describe a period of inactivity.

• The astronaut was placed in suspended animation for the long journey.
• The project was in suspended animation while waiting for approval.

Use in scientific contexts, particularly when referring to plants, seeds, or animals in a state of temporary rest or inactivity.

• The seeds are in a state of dormancy, waiting for the right conditions to germinate
• Many animals enter dormancy during the winter months

Use when talking about people or things not being active, often with a focus on physical activity or general actions.

• His prolonged inactivity during the weekend worried his friends
• The project came to a halt due to the team's inactivity

Use in technical or business contexts to refer to machinery, systems, or companies that are not in use or not functioning.

• The factory is in a state of non-operation until the new parts arrive
• Due to non-operation of the servers, users experienced a lot of downtime

Use in economic, business, or personal development contexts to describe a lack of growth, progress, or movement, often with a negative connotation.

• The economy is facing stagnation due to lack of innovation
• His career was in stagnation, with no prospects for promotion or new challenges

Used in biology to describe a period when a plant or seed is inactive and not growing.

• The seeds were in a state of dormancy until the spring rains came.
• During the winter, the trees enter dormancy to survive the cold.

Refers to a state of deep sleep that some animals enter in order to conserve energy during the winter months.

• Bears go into hibernation to survive the harsh cold of winter.
• The hedgehog's hibernation lasted for nearly six months.

Describes a state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually with a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate, often during periods of unfavorable environmental conditions.

• The hummingbird fell into torpor to conserve energy during the cold night.
• Certain small mammals enter torpor to survive periods of food scarcity.

Used in science fiction and medicine, refers to an induced state where life processes are slowed down or halted for preservation purposes.

• In the movie, the astronauts were placed in suspended animation for the long journey to Mars.
• The researchers are studying how to use suspended animation to preserve organs for transplantation.