Dormant

Definition

A state of inactivity or suspended animation in which an organism's metabolic processes are reduced to a minimum.

Etymology

Example

Many insects enter a dormant state during the winter months.

Synonyms

• Inactive
• Quiescent

Related Terms

• Hibernation
• Diapause

Usage Notes

In entomology, dormancy can be inherently different from hibernation or diapause, though all involve reduced metabolic rates.