Definition

A time when an organism stops growing or developing, often due to unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing it to survive until conditions improve.

Example

The insect entered diapause to survive the harsh winter months.

Conversation

Have you heard about diapause in insects?

Yeah, I read that it helps them survive tough conditions.

Exactly! It's fascinating how they can pause their development.

Nature has some amazing strategies for survival.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diapause is formed from "dia-" (meaning through or across) and "pause" (from Greek "pausis", meaning cessation or stopping). The term describes a state of suspended development or a pause in the life cycle of an organism, particularly in response to environmental conditions.

Memory Tip

Think of a state where something is 'paused' ('pause') while going 'through' ('dia-') a period of dormancy or inactivity.

Visually Confused Words