Hibernate: meaning, definitions and examples
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hibernate
[ ˈhaɪ.bə.neɪt ]
in computing
Hibernate is a power-saving state designed primarily for laptops. When you hibernate your computer, it saves the current state of your system, including all open files and programs, to your hard disk and then shuts down your computer. When you turn your computer back on, it restores the computer to the state it was in before entering hibernation mode.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hibernate |
Use 'hibernate' when referring to a computer going into a low-power state where it saves everything in memory to the hard disk, allowing the computer to completely power down while retaining the current state when it is turned back on. This term is also used to describe the state of certain animals in winter.
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| suspend |
Use 'suspend' when a computer or electronic device temporarily stops most operations but can resume activity quickly. This is also used in a more general sense to indicate the temporary halt of an activity, often with an implicit intention to resume.
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| standby |
Use 'standby' when referring to a state in which a device is turned off but can be quickly turned on, consuming less power than when fully operational. It is often used for televisions, computers, and other electronics.
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Examples of usage
- Make sure to hibernate your laptop when you're not using it to save battery power.
- After hibernating my computer, it took a few seconds longer to start up again.
in biology
Hibernate is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, which is characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing, and heart rate. Many animals hibernate during the winter months as a way to conserve energy when food is scarce.
Synonyms
dormancy, winter sleep.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hibernate |
Commonly used to describe the state of animals during winter when they enter a deep sleep to survive cold conditions.
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| dormancy |
Refers to a period in which an organism's physical activity temporarily stops or slows down, often used in agriculture and botany.
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| winter sleep |
More informal term for hibernation, usually used to describe the same process but in a less scientific way.
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Examples of usage
- Bears tend to hibernate in caves during the winter.
- During hibernation, the animal's metabolic rate decreases significantly.
Translations
Translations of the word "hibernate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hibernar
🇮🇳 शीतनिद्रा लेना
🇩🇪 überwintern
- ruhen
- Winterschlaf halten
🇮🇩 berhibernasi
🇺🇦 зимувати
🇵🇱 hibernować
🇯🇵 冬眠する (とうみんする)
🇫🇷 hiberner
🇪🇸 hibernar
🇹🇷 kış uykusuna yatmak
🇰🇷 겨울잠을 자다
🇸🇦 سبات
🇨🇿 hibernovat
🇸🇰 hibernovať
🇨🇳 冬眠 (dōngmián)
🇸🇮 hibernirati
🇮🇸 dvala
🇰🇿 қысқы ұйқыға кету
🇬🇪 ზამთრის ძილი
🇦🇿 qış yuxusuna getmək
🇲🇽 hibernar
Etymology
The word 'hibernate' comes from the Latin word 'hibernare,' which means 'to pass the winter.' The term was initially used to describe the winter dormancy of certain animals. Over time, the term has been adapted in computing to refer to a power-saving state for electronic devices. The concept of hibernation in computing was inspired by the biological process observed in animals.
See also: hibernation.