Definition

A period during which some animals sleep or become inactive to survive the cold winter months, reducing their energy use.

Example

Bears enter hibernation to conserve energy during the winter when food is scarce.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals go into hibernation during the winter?

Really? I always thought they just disappeared for a while.

Yeah, it's a way for them to conserve energy and survive the cold months.

That's fascinating! I wish I could just sleep through winter like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hibernation → It is formed from "hibernare" (meaning to spend the winter) and the suffix "-tion" (indicating the action or process of). The word "hibernation" refers to the process of spending a prolonged period in a dormant state during the winter months.

Memory Tip

Think of animals 'spending the winter' ('hibernare') in a state of rest — that's what hibernation means.

Visually Confused Words