Definition of hibernate
hibernated
;hibernating
intransitive verb
1 : to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state bears hibernating in their dens
2 : to be or become inactive or dormant let the computer hibernate
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Examples of hibernate in a sentence
bears hibernating in their dens
Origin and Etymology of hibernate
Latin hibernatus, past participle of hibernare to pass the winter, from hibernus of winter; akin to Latin hiems winter, Greek cheimōn
First Known Use: 1816
Other Biology Terms
HIBERNATE Defined for English Language Learners
hibernate
playDefinition of hibernate for English Language Learners
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of an animal : to spend the winter sleeping or resting
HIBERNATE Defined for Kids
hibernate
playDefinition of hibernate for Students
hibernated
;hibernating
: to pass all or part of the winter in an inactive state in which the body temperature drops and breathing slows
hibernator
\-ˌnāt-ər\ nounMedical Dictionary
hibernate
playMedical Definition of hibernate
hibernated
;hibernating
: 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
Learn More about hibernate
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See words that rhyme with hibernate Spanish Central: Translation of hibernate Nglish: Translation of hibernate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hibernate for Arabic speakers
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