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
Recent Examples of hibernate from the Web
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White-nose is caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans or Pd, and spreads easily among hibernating bats in winter.
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The inland bear is portrayed inside a cave or den, although polar bears most likely never hibernated in Iceland.
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As a precautionary measure, HAL also terminates the life functions of the three hibernating crew members.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hibernate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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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