dormant


dor·mant

adj \ˈdr-mənt\

Definition of DORMANT

1
: represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws
2
: marked by a suspension of activity: as a : temporarily devoid of external activity <a dormant volcano> b : temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated
3
a : asleep, inactive b : having the faculties suspended : sluggish c : having biological activity suspended: as (1) : being in a state of suspended animation (2) : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment —used of plant parts
4
: associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy <dormant grafting>

Examples of DORMANT

  1. The seeds will remain dormant until the spring.
  2. Her emotions have lain dormant for many years.

Origin of DORMANT

Middle English, fixed, stationary, from Anglo-French, from present participle of dormir to sleep, from Latin dormire; akin to Sanskrit drāti he sleeps
First Known Use: circa 1500

Rhymes with DORMANT

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