estivate

estivate [es-tuh-veyt] Word Origin verb (used without object), es·ti·vat·ed, es·ti·vat·ing.

1. to spend the summer, as at a specific place or in a certain activity.
2. Zoology. to spend a hot, dry season in an inactive, dormant state, as certain reptiles, snails, insects, and small mammals.

Compare hibernate. Origin of estivate 1620–30; Latin aestīvātus, past participle of aestīvāre to reside during the summer (akin to aestīvus of or relating to summer); see -ate1 Related formses·ti·va·tor, nounCan be confusedestivate hibernate British Dictionary definitions for estivate estivate verb

1. (intr) the usual US spelling of aestivate

Derived Formsestivator, noun Word Origin and History for estivate v.

“to spend the summer,” mid-17c., from Latin aestivatus, past participle of aestivare “to spend the summer,” from aestus “heat,” aestas “summer,” literally “the hot season,” from Proto-Italic *aissat-, from PIE *aidh- “to burn” (see edifice). Related: Estivated; estivating.