A torpid condition in which certain animals pass the cold months. True hibernators, such as woodchucks, ground squirrels, dormice, and some others, have body temperatures reduced to near the freezing point, with a very slow heartbeat, low metabolism, and infrequent respirations. Partial hibernators, such as bears, skunks, and raccoons, have reduced physiologic activity during the cold months, but they are not comatose. Cf.:estivation. SYN: winter sleep. [L. hibernus, relating to winter]
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hi·ber·na·tion (hi″bər-naґshən) [L. hibernare to spend the winter] 1. the dormant state in which certain animal species pass the winter; it is characterized by narcosis and by sharp reduction in body temperature and metabolic activity. Cf. estivation. 2. an analogous temporary reduction in function, such as of an organ.Medical dictionary. 2011.