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Overwinter: meaning, definitions and examples

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overwinter

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈwɪntər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

seasonal behavior

To overwinter means to survive or endure through the winter season, often referring to animals or plants that remain alive or dormant during the cold months. This behavior can be crucial for species that need to manage food sources or environmental conditions.

Synonyms

endure, hibernate, survive

Examples of usage

  • Many animals overwinter in burrows to escape the cold.
  • Certain trees can overwinter by shedding their leaves.
  • Some migratory birds overwinter in warmer climates.

Translations

Translations of the word "overwinter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 passar o inverno

🇮🇳 सर्दी बिताना

🇩🇪 überwintern

🇮🇩 menghabiskan musim dingin

🇺🇦 перезимувати

🇵🇱 przetrwać zimę

🇯🇵 冬を越す

🇫🇷 passer l'hiver

🇪🇸 pasar el invierno

🇹🇷 kış geçirmek

🇰🇷 겨울을 나다

🇸🇦 قضاء الشتاء

🇨🇿 přečkat zimu

🇸🇰 prežiť zimu

🇨🇳 过冬

🇸🇮 preživeti zimo

🇮🇸 yfirvinna

🇰🇿 қыс өткізу

🇬🇪 ზამთარში გაჩერება

🇦🇿 qışı keçirmək

🇲🇽 pasar el invierno

Word origin

The term 'overwinter' is derived from the combination of 'over' and 'winter.' The prefix 'over' suggests a sense of passing through or enduring something, while 'winter' refers to the coldest season of the year. This word has its roots in Old English, where 'winter' comes from 'wintar,' and the concept has been used for centuries to describe the survival strategies of various species during harsh winter months. Over the years, it has gained prominence in biological and ecological discussions related to animal behavior and plant survival tactics. Overwintering is not only crucial for survival but also plays a significant role in the ecological balance of ecosystems.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,418 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.