Main Entry:

¹sleep

Pronunciation:

\ˈslēp\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English slepe, from Old English slǣp; akin to Old High German slāf sleep and perhaps to Latin labi to slip, slide

Date:

before 12th century

1: the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored — compare REM sleep, slow-wave sleep2: a state resembling sleep: as a: a state of torpid inactivity b: death <put a pet cat to sleep> ; also : trance, coma c: the closing of leaves or petals especially at night d: a state marked by a diminution of feeling followed by tingling <my foot's gone to sleep> e: the state of an animal during hibernation 3 a: a period spent sleeping b: night c: a day's journey4: crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening

— sleep·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective