cryptobiotic
Definition
- Adjective:
- Of or relating to cryptobiosis: Describes a state of extreme metabolic dormancy in an organism, where all metabolic processes appear to halt, allowing survival under extreme environmental conditions like desiccation, freezing, or oxygen deprivation.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Tardigrades can enter a cryptobiotic state to survive complete dehydration.
- The cryptobiotic ability of certain seeds allows them to remain viable for centuries.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in biology, ecology, and astrobiology to describe a survival strategy.
- Researchers study cryptobiotic organisms to understand the limits of life.
Variants and Related Words
- Cryptobiosis (n): The state of suspended animation itself.
- Cryptobiosis is a fascinating adaptation to environmental stress.
Synonyms
- Dormant: In a state of rest or inactivity.
- Anabiotic: Capable of returning to life from a dormant state.
Related Phrases
- In a cryptobiotic state: The condition of being in cryptobiosis.
- The nematode was revived after being in a cryptobiotic state for decades.
Adjective
-
of or related to the state of cryptobiosis
