hibernate

hi·ber·nate

vi \ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt\

hi·ber·nat·ed; hi·ber·nat·ing

Definition of HIBERNATE

: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state; especially : to pass the winter in a torpid condition in which the body temperature drops to a little above freezing and metabolic activity is reduced nearly to zero—compare estivate

—hi·ber·na·tion \ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən\ (audio pronunciation) noun

—hi·ber·na·tor \ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt-ər\ (audio pronunciation) noun