brumationn.
/bruːˈmeɪʃn/, U.S. /bruˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ A state or condition of semi-dormancy exhibited by reptiles and amphibians in response to cold weather, characterized by lethargy and a decrease in metabolic activity. Cf. aestivation n. 3.Brumation differs from hibernation in the degree of dormancy and the metabolic processes involved.
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1965 W. W. Mayhew in Compar. Biochem. & Physiol. 16 103 The term brumation is proposed to indicate winter dormancy in ectothermic vertebrates that demonstrate physiological changes which are independent of body temperature.
1976 Amer. Zoologist 16 731/1 A typical female [of the salamander Desmognathus ochropheus] emerged from brumation in April with reduced lipid reserves and enlarged ova.
1996 D. Wagner Boas 44/2 Brumation is more common in animals living in areas where winter temperatures do not remain below freezing.
2015 Hays (Kansas) Daily News 5 Apr. b4/5 With warmer weather, more snakes are coming out of brumation.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1965- take a run-out powder
- take a running jump
- take a running jump at oneself
- take a runout powder
- take a say
- take a scantling of
- take a screw
- take a screw at
- take a scunner at, against, or to
- take a seat
- take a set
- take a set on
- take a set on a person
- take a share in
- take a sheet and napkin
- take a sheet off a hedge
- take a shine to
- take a shit
- take a shower
- take a shufti
- take a side
- take a sideswipe at
- take a sleigh ride
- take a slipper to
- take a smoke