torpor

Everyday

1. Torpor is a state of being very sleepy, slow and inactive, without energy: "The heat filled us with torpor." tree →
2. (science) In animals, torpor is a short sleep-like state when body temperature and heartbeat drop to save energy, for example in hummingbirds at night, bats and some mice; long-lasting torpor in winter is called hibernation. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons it comes with adaptations and survival in cold or lack of food. In stories and formal writing, torpor describes a lazy, heavy mood on a hot afternoon or after a big meal. Phrases: "fall into torpor", "summer torpor", "a state of torpor".

Examples

• Hummingbirds go into torpor at night to save energy. tree →
• After the huge Christmas lunch, the whole family sank into torpor. tree →
• Bats can enter torpor on cold days. tree →
• The heat of the afternoon filled the classroom with torpor. tree →
• Hibernation is a long kind of torpor. tree →
• The dog lay in a happy torpor by the fire. tree →
• The sudden noise shook him out of his torpor. tree →

Note

Uncountable, formal. Adjective: torpid. Pronounced "TOR-per". Torpor lasts hours or days; hibernation lasts weeks or months.