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Hibernating: meaning, definitions and examples

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hibernating

 

[ haɪˈbɜrnətɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

animal behavior

Hibernating refers to a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, characterized by a reduced body temperature and slower physiological activity. Animals enter this state to conserve energy during periods when food is scarce, particularly in winter. Hibernation allows them to survive through harsh conditions.

Synonyms

dormant, inactive, sleeping.

Examples of usage

  • Bears are known for hibernating during the cold winter months.
  • Some species of frogs and turtles can also be found hibernating at the bottom of ponds.
  • Hibernating animals often wake up periodically to eat stored food.

Translations

Translations of the word "hibernating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hibernando

🇮🇳 निद्रित

🇩🇪 Winterschlaf halten

🇮🇩 hibernasi

🇺🇦 глибокий сон

🇵🇱 hibernacja

🇯🇵 冬眠している

🇫🇷 hibernant

🇪🇸 hibernando

🇹🇷 kış uykusunda

🇰🇷 겨울잠 자는

🇸🇦 سبات شتوي

🇨🇿 hibernující

🇸🇰 hibernujúci

🇨🇳 冬眠中

🇸🇮 hiberniranje

🇮🇸 vetrarspá

🇰🇿 қыста ұйқыда

🇬🇪 ზამთრის ძილში

🇦🇿 qış yuxusunda

🇲🇽 hibernando

Etymology

The term 'hibernate' originates from the Latin word 'hibernare', which means 'to winter' or 'to spend the winter'. It combines 'hiems', meaning 'winter', with a suffix that indicates an action or process. The word began to be used in English in the early 19th century to describe the state of dormancy exhibited by certain animals during the colder months. The study of hibernation has grown significantly in the fields of animal biology and ecology, as it plays a crucial role in understanding survival strategies in seasonal climates. Historically, hibernation was primarily associated with larger mammals like bears and rodents, but further research revealed that hibernation-like states occur in a variety of species, including reptiles and insects, showing the evolutionary benefits of this adaptation. Today, scientists investigate the physiological processes involved in hibernation and its potential applications in human medicine, particularly in critical care and space travel.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,414, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.