aestivation

/ɛstɪˈveɪʃən/

Definitions

1. noun

a state of dormancy or inactivity, typically occurring in warm or dry weather, in which certain animals, especially reptiles and amphibians, remain inactive and often burrow underground or hide in other sheltered places

“During the summer months, the turtles enter a state of aestivation to conserve energy and water.”

Synonyms

  • dormancy
  • torpor

Antonyms

  • activity
  • vitality