estivation

estivation [es-tuh-vey-shuh n] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. Zoology. the act of estivating.
2. Botany. the arrangement of the parts of a flower in the bud.

Origin of estivation First recorded in 1615–25; estivate + -ion Examples from the Web for estivation Historical Examples of estivation

It was clear that nature was in preparation for her estivation.

Of All Things

Robert C. Benchley

First, it may be remembered that this period corresponds nearly to the active life of the animal before and after estivation.

Birds and Nature Vol. 9 No. 2 [February 1901]

Various

The dry season here is not excessive, nor is there any estivation, as in some tropical countries.

The Western World

W.H.G. Kingston

British Dictionary definitions for estivation estivation noun

1. the usual US spelling of aestivation

estivation in Science estivation [ĕs′tə-vā′shən]

1. An inactive state resembling deep sleep, in which some animals living in hot climates, such as certain snails, pass the summer. Estivation protects these animals against heat and dryness. Compare hibernation.