aestivate Definition
- 1to spend the summer in a state of torpor or dormancy, as certain reptiles, snails, and insects do
- 2to pass a summer in a state of torpor or dormancy
Using aestivate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "aestivate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The desert tortoise aestivates during the hottest months of the year.
Example
The snail will aestivate until the rainy season begins.
Example
Some species of fish aestivate during droughts.
aestivate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with aestivate
the period of time during which an animal is in a state of aestivation
Example
The aestivation period for this species lasts from May to September.
a structure or enclosure designed to simulate the conditions necessary for aestivation
Example
The researchers built an aestivation chamber to study the behavior of the snails.
a hormone that regulates the process of aestivation in some animals
Example
The scientists discovered a new aestivation hormone in the blood of the hibernating frogs.
Origins of aestivate
from Latin 'aestivatus', meaning 'summer'
Summary: aestivate in Brief
'Aestivate' [es-tuh-veyt] is a verb that means to spend the summer in a state of torpor or dormancy, as certain reptiles, snails, and insects do. It is similar to 'hibernate,' but occurs during the summer months. Examples include the desert tortoise, snails, and some species of fish. Phrases like 'aestivation period' and 'aestivation chamber' refer to the time and place where aestivation occurs.
