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Dormancy: meaning, definitions and examples

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dormancy

 

[ˈdɔːmənsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

inactivity

Dormancy is the state of being inactive or having suspended development. It is a period of rest or inactivity, especially in plants or animals during the colder months.

Synonyms

inactivity, quiescence, suspended animation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dormancy

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.
inactivity

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.
quiescence

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.
suspended animation

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.

Examples of usage

  • The seeds lay in dormancy until the spring warmth triggered their growth.
  • Bears go into dormancy during the winter months to conserve energy.
Context #2 | Noun

legal term

In legal terms, dormancy refers to a period of time during which no activity or transactions take place. It is often used in the context of bank accounts or assets that have not been touched or accessed for a certain period.

Synonyms

inactivity, non-operation, stagnation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dormancy

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
inactivity

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
non-operation

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
stagnation

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

Examples of usage

  • The account was declared dormant after three years of inactivity.
  • The law required the assets to be transferred to the state due to their dormancy.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

In biology, dormancy is a state of reduced metabolic activity in organisms. It is a survival strategy adopted by some animals and plants to cope with unfavorable environmental conditions.

Synonyms

hibernation, suspended animation, torpor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dormancy

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.
hibernation

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.
torpor

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.
suspended animation

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.

Examples of usage

  • During hibernation, animals enter a state of dormancy to conserve energy.
  • Some plants enter dormancy during the dry season to avoid water loss.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Many plants go through dormancy in winter, storing energy to survive until spring.
  • Some animals, such as bears, enter dormancy or hibernation to save energy and survive cold weather.
  • Seeds can also lie dormant in the soil for years, waiting for the right conditions to sprout.

Psychology

  • People can experience a mental dormancy during stressful times, feeling less energetic or motivated until they feel better.
  • This state can be likened to periods of rest, allowing for recovery and rejuvenation before re-engagement with life.

Etymology

  • The word 'dormancy' comes from the Latin 'dormire,' meaning 'to sleep', emphasizing the idea of rest.
  • Used in English since the early 18th century, it reflects both biological and metaphorical states of inactivity.

Agriculture

  • Farmers utilize the concept of dormancy for crop planning, ensuring seeds and plants are placed in optimal conditions for growth.
  • Certain fruits, like apples, need a chilling period during winter to ensure they bear fruit in spring.

Art and Literature

  • The theme of dormancy appears in literature, often symbolizing waiting or potential, like a story that unfolds after a serene pause.
  • Artists have depicted dormancy in nature, portraying barren landscapes that suggest a hidden vitality beneath the surface, ready to bloom.

Translations

Translations of the word "dormancy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dormência

🇮🇳 निष्क्रियता

🇩🇪 Ruhezustand

🇮🇩 keterkaitan

🇺🇦 сплячка

🇵🇱 uśpienie

🇯🇵 休眠

🇫🇷 dormance

🇪🇸 latencia

🇹🇷 uyku hali

🇰🇷 휴면

🇸🇦 سبات

🇨🇿 klidový stav

🇸🇰 dormancia

🇨🇳 休眠

🇸🇮 mirovanje

🇮🇸 dvala

🇰🇿 ұйқысыздық

🇬🇪 მძინარობა

🇦🇿 yatma vəziyyəti

🇲🇽 latencia

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,878, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.