dormancy
dormancy Lexical Profile
dormancy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A biological period in the life cycle of an organism when growth, development, and physical activity are temporarily stopped to conserve energy under unfavorable environmental conditions.
"Deciduous trees enter a state of dormancy during the winter months to survive freezing temperatures."
The state of being temporarily inactive, inoperative, or in abeyance, while remaining capable of future activation or development.
"After decades of dormancy, the volcano began showing signs of seismic activity again."
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 18th century from 'dormant', which derives from the Old French 'dormant' (sleeping), the present participle of 'dormir', ultimately from the Latin verb 'dormire' meaning 'to sleep'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.