dormant
dormant Lexical Profile
dormant Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time, as if in a deep sleep (especially of an animal, plant, or seed).
"Many perennial plants remain dormant throughout the cold winter months and sprout again in the spring."
Temporarily inactive, inoperative, or not actively erupting, though still capable of becoming active in the future (especially of a volcano, disease, or account).
"Geologists closely monitor the dormant volcano for any seismic activity that might signal an awakening."
Lying concealed, undeveloped, or unexercised, but capable of being aroused or manifested later (of a quality, emotion, or talent).
"Taking the painting class awakened a dormant passion for visual art that she had ignored since childhood."
Word Nuance & Usage
When describing volcanoes, 'dormant' means temporarily inactive but capable of erupting again, whereas 'extinct' means permanently inactive with no expectation of future eruptions.
• Rhymes for dormant
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'dormant', the present participle of 'dormir' (to sleep), from Latin 'dormire'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.