thanatosis Definition
a state of apparent death or of greatly reduced metabolism in an animal, often used as a defense mechanism.
Using thanatosis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thanatosis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The opossum went into thanatosis when it was attacked by the predator.
Example
Some species of snakes use thanatosis to avoid being eaten by predators.
Example
The insect's thanatosis lasted for several hours until it felt safe enough to move again.
thanatosis Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for thanatosis
- playing possum
- apparent death
- feigning death
Phrases with thanatosis
the act of intentionally inducing a state of thanatosis in an animal, often for research purposes
Example
The scientists induced thanatosis in the mice to study the effects of hypothermia on the body.
an involuntary response triggered by a perceived threat that causes an animal to enter a state of thanatosis
Example
The rabbit's thanatosis reflex kicked in when it saw the approaching predator.
a form of mimicry in which an animal feigns death to avoid being attacked or eaten by a predator
Example
The butterfly's thanatosis mimicry fooled the bird into thinking it was dead and it flew away.
Origins of thanatosis
from Greek 'thanatos', meaning 'death', and '-osis', meaning 'condition'
Summary: thanatosis in Brief
'Thanatosis' [thænəˈtoʊsɪs] is a noun that refers to a state of apparent death or greatly reduced metabolism in animals, often used as a defense mechanism. It is also known as 'playing possum' or 'feigning death.' Some species of animals use thanatosis to avoid being eaten by predators. The term extends into phrases like 'induced thanatosis,' referring to intentionally inducing the state for research purposes.
