Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hibernating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❄️
Add to dictionary

hibernating

[haɪˈbɜrnətɪŋ ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Hibernation isn’t just sleeping; it involves lowering body temperature, slowing heart rate, and reducing metabolism.
  • Some animals can hibernate for months, while others may only enter a state of short-term dormancy known as torpor.

Ecology

  • Hibernating animals play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling pest populations during their active months.
  • Different species have different hibernation strategies, with some waking briefly to eat or drink.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Over the Hedge' and 'Bambi' feature characters that hibernate, helping kids understand the concept.
  • Video games often include hibernating creatures as part of their storyline, illustrating the animal behavior.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have fascinating stories about hibernating animals, often portraying them as wise or magical beings.
  • In folklore, bears are commonly seen as symbols of strength and endurance due to their hibernation habits.

Origin of 'hibernating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hibernate' comes from the Latin word 'hibernare', which means 'to spend the winter'.
  • In the 19th century, 'hibernating' became popular in English to describe animals that sleep through winter.

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.