dormant

adjective

dor·mant | \ ˈdȯr-mənt

Definition of dormant

1 heraldry : represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws

2 : marked by a suspension of activity: such as

a : temporarily devoid of external activity a dormant volcano

b : temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated seeds will remain dormant until spring reawaken her dormant emotions

3a : asleep, inactive dormant creatures

b : having the faculties suspended : sluggish

c : having biological activity suspended: such as

(1) : being in a state of suspended animation

(2) botany : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment —used of plant parts

4 : associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy dormant grafting

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Choose the Right Synonym for dormant

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. a latent desire for success dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. their passion had lain dormant quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. the disease was quiescent potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. a potential disaster

Examples of dormant in a Sentence

The seeds will remain dormant until the spring. Her emotions have lain dormant for many years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Virile in summer and dormant in winter, the bear’s life cycle mirrors the seasons, and when bears emerged from their dens in spring, they were seen as the source of fertility for the goddess. — David James, Anchorage Daily News, "New book explores mankind’s fascination with bears, from Stone Age to 'Winnie the Pooh’," 31 Aug. 2019 Ten minutes from the Three Sisters Bar, which is now dormant and overgrown with dense foliage, Mr. Cooke’s parents live in their simple, vinyl-sided home off the side of the highway. — Azam Ahmed, New York Times, "One Handgun, 9 Murders: How American Firearms Cause Carnage Abroad," 25 Aug. 2019 The few remaining unconstitutional campus speech policies lie largely dormant and unenforced, with university officials keenly aware of the risk of lawsuits. — David French, National Review, "Courage Is the Cure for Political Correctness," 20 Aug. 2019 American Legion baseball has remained strong in other parts of the United States but became dormant in San Diego County until the District 22 administration prioritized an effort to revive the summer program. — Joe Naiman, Ramona Sentinel, "Bulldogs 5-7 during American Legion season," 31 July 2019 The riverfront venue remains busy in the warm months every year while the college football coliseum goes mostly dormant from A-Day through August. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al.com, "Why there aren’t concerts in Bryant-Denny Stadium, the brief history of shows there," 15 July 2019 The geyser saw an uptick in eruptions in the 1960s after being dormant for about 50 years, and also saw increased eruptions in the 1980s. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN, "The Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park is approaching a record number of eruptions," 4 July 2019 The final weekend of June is far from dormant in sports. — Dana Scott, azcentral, "What to watch in sports this weekend," 28 June 2019 Trees are largely dormant then and won't spread roots, and the ground can freeze. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "How and When To Plant a Tree," 25 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dormant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for dormant

dormant

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of dormant

: not doing anything at this time : not active but able to become active

See the full definition for dormant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dormant

adjective

dor·mant | \ ˈdȯr-mənt

Kids Definition of dormant

: not active for the time being The volcano is dormant.

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dormant

Definition of dormant

Synonyms & Antonyms for dormant

Choose the Right Synonym for dormant

Examples of dormant in a Sentence

First Known Use of dormant

History and Etymology for dormant

English Language Learners Definition of dormant

Kids Definition of dormant

dormant

Definition of dormant

Synonyms & Antonyms for dormant

Choose the Right Synonym for dormant

Examples of dormant in a Sentence

First Known Use of dormant

History and Etymology for dormant

English Language Learners Definition of dormant

Kids Definition of dormant

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