1
: the natural, easily reversible periodic state of many living things that is marked by the absence of wakefulness and by the loss of consciousness of one's surroundings, is accompanied by a typical body posture (such as lying down with the eyes closed), the occurrence of dreaming, and changes in brain activity and physiological functioning, is made up of cycles of non-REM sleep and REM sleep, and is usually considered essential to the restoration and recovery of vital bodily and mental functions
2
: a state resembling sleep: such as
a
: a state of torpid inactivity
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
4
: crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening
slept
ˈslept
; sleeping; sleeps
1
: to rest in a state of sleep
2
: to be in a state (as of quiescence or death) resembling sleep
3
: to have sexual relations
—usually used with with
was sleeping with a coworker
see also sleep together
1
: to be slumbering in
slept the sleep of the dead
2
: to get rid of or spend in or by sleep
sleep away the hours
sleep off a headache
3
: to provide sleeping accommodations for
the boat sleeps six
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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