hibernation

Everyday

1. A very deep sleep-like rest that some animals go into during winter: their body cools, their heart slows and they live on stored fat. tree →
2. (informal) A long time of staying inside and resting. tree →

In the lessons

In science, hibernation helps animals survive winter when food is scarce: hedgehogs, dormice, bats, some bears and ground squirrels. Animals eat a lot in autumn to store fat. If you find a hibernating animal, do not wake it. Phrases: «go into hibernation», «come out of hibernation».

Examples

• Hedgehogs go into hibernation in winter. tree →
• Before hibernation, animals eat lots of food. tree →
• Bats hang upside down during hibernation. tree →
• Waking an animal from hibernation uses up its energy. tree →
• The tortoise came out of hibernation in spring. tree →
• After the holidays, I came out of hibernation and went outside. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb: hibernate. Myth: bears do not truly hibernate in the deepest way; they sleep deeply but can wake easily (scientists argue about it). Animals that hibernate are not dead — leave them alone.