hi·ber·nate [ hbər nàyt ](past and past participlehi·ber·nat·ed, present participlehi·ber·nat·ing, 3rd person present singularhi·ber·nates)
intransitive verb
Definition:
1. pass winter asleep: to be in a dormant state resembling sleep over the winter while living off reserves of body fat, with a decrease in body temperature and pulse rate and slower metabolism. Animals that hibernate include bears, bats, and many amphibians.
2. become less active: to become less active, especially by staying at home rather than going out to socialize
(
informal humorous
)
[Early 19th century. < Latin hibernat-, past participle of hibernare< hiberna "winter quarters" < hibernus "wintry"]
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