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hibernation (n.)

1660s, "action of passing the winter" (of plants, insect eggs, etc.), from Latin hibernationem (nominative hibernatio) "the action of passing the winter," noun of action from past participle stem of hibernare "to winter, pass the winter, occupy winter quarters;" related to hiems "winter," from PIE root *gheim- "winter." Meaning "dormant condition of animals" is from 1789.

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Definitions of hibernation from WordNet

hibernation (n.)
the torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter;
hibernation (n.)
cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals;
hibernation (n.)
the act of retiring into inactivity;
he emerged from his hibernation to make his first appearance in several years
From wordnet.princeton.edu