brumation
nounUK /bruːˈmeɪʃən/
US /bruːˈmeɪʃən/
Brumation is a deep sleep that some cold-blooded animals take during cold weather.
During brumation, the turtle stays hidden under the mud and barely moves until spring.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A slowed-down state in reptiles and amphibians where body temperature and heart rate drop to save energy.
The bearded dragon entered brumation and stopped eating for several weeks.
3. The seasonal period when a cold-blooded animal rests through winter conditions.
Keepers lower the heat lamp slightly to mimic natural brumation.
4. A biological pause in activity used by some fish and amphibians during cold months.
Scientists studied brumation in frogs living in frozen ponds.