dormancy
/'dɔ:mənsi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A state of rest or inactivity where normal physical functions are slowed down or suspended for a period of time. This often refers to a temporary period in the life cycle of an organism, seed, or volcano when growth, development, and physical activity are minimal or paused. 2. A state of temporary cessation or suspension of an activity, process, or function.
Usage and Examples
- The dormancy of many seeds during winter ensures they only sprout when conditions are favorable in spring.
- After decades of dormancy, the artist's creativity was suddenly reawakened.
- The project has been in a state of dormancy while the company secures more funding.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Period/Era of dormancy": Emphasizes the length of time the inactive state lasts.
- The research field experienced a long period of dormancy before new discoveries revived interest.
- "Break/End its dormancy": Describes the action of becoming active again.
- The bear will break its dormancy and emerge from hibernation in the spring.
Variants and Related Words
- Dormant (Adjective): Describes something in a state of dormancy.
- a dormant volcano, dormant buds on a plant, a dormant bank account.
- Hibernation (Noun): A specific, deep, seasonal dormancy in some animals.
- Quiescence (Noun): A formal synonym for a state of inactivity or dormancy.
Synonyms
- Inactivity
- Quiescence
- Hibernation (specific to animals)
- Suspension
- Latency
Antonyms
- Activity
- Action
- Operation
- Wakefulness
Related Phrases and Concepts
- "Lie dormant": A common verb phrase meaning to be in a dormant state.
- The virus can lie dormant in the body for years.
- Dormancy period/phase: The specific timeframe of inactivity.
- Seed dormancy: A biological term for a seed's inability to germinate under normal conditions even when they are favorable.
Noun
- quiet and inactive restfulness
- a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction
- the volcano erupted after centuries of dormancy