dormancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dormancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a state of inactivity or rest, often used to describe living organisms, financial accounts, or natural cycles. Example: After the harsh winter, the plants showed signs of dormancy as they awaited the warmer spring weather to resume their growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though it ebbs and flows on an annual cycle which matches the growth and dormancy of the great forests of the northern hemisphere, it passed 400 parts per million this January, the earliest in the year it has exceeded this benchmark.

The Economist

One of the causes of viral dormancy is that the T-cell the virus resides in is itself in a resting state.

The Economist

Its dormancy since then however seems to have given the drug industry a chance to evolve and wise up.

The Economist

Russia, another messy candidate for WTO membership, restarted talks with America, Canada and Europe this week after a period of dormancy in its seven-year-old application.

The Economist

But many workers in the field think T-cell dormancy a more significant cause of relapse than HIV in such reservoir tissues.

The Economist

For full treatment, see dormancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other species, including a number of shrubs and annual plants, require the chemical signals from smoke and charred plant matter to break seed dormancy.

Britannica

Embryo culture can also be used to circumvent seed dormancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In temperate-climate plants these buds have extended periods of dormancy, whereas in tropical plants the period of dormancy is either very short or nonexistent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This dormant period is similar to hibernation in winter by temperate-area snakes, although little is known about physiological changes that may or may not take place in tropical dormancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There then follows a period of dormancy, sometimes prolonged, after which the seed germinates, and the adult form slowly emerges as the shoots and roots grow at the tips and the stem thickens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about biological or geological contexts, use "dormancy" to accurately describe periods of inactivity in organisms or geological features, like volcanoes. This ensures precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dormancy" interchangeably with simple inactivity. "Dormancy" often implies a specific biological or geological state with potential for reactivation, whereas inactivity is a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The word "dormancy" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of inactivity, rest, or suspended development. Ludwig AI and the examples provided confirm this, showcasing its use across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dormancy" refers to a state of inactivity or rest, frequently observed in biological and geological contexts. Ludwig AI analysis and multiple examples confirm its correct grammatical function as a noun, primarily used in formal and scientific settings. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, "dormancy" is a useful way to describe periods where activity is suspended and a high volume of examples in reliable sources showcase its use, ensuring writers can use it accurately and effectively. Related terms include "quiescence", "inactivity period", and "resting phase", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts with nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quiescent state

Highlights a state of quietness and inactivity.

resting phase

Implies a temporary break from activity for recovery or preparation.

inactivity period

Focuses on the time frame during which activity is ceased.

latent phase

Emphasizes the potential for future activity, currently hidden or undeveloped.

suspended animation

Suggests a temporary cessation of vital processes, often in a biological context.

state of hibernation

Specifically refers to a state of inactivity during winter.

period of abeyance

Indicates a temporary suspension of activity or function.

aestivation period

Specifically refers to a state of inactivity during summer.

standstill

Implies a complete cessation of movement or progress.

lull

Suggests a temporary pause in activity, often in a turbulent situation.

FAQs

How is "dormancy" used in a sentence?

In biology, you might say, "The seed entered a period of "dormancy" during the winter months." In geology, "The volcano remained in a state of "dormancy" for centuries before erupting again."

What words can replace "dormancy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inactivity", "quiescence", or "latency".

Is it correct to say something is in "dormancy" or "a dormant state"?

Both are correct, but "a dormant state" provides more context and can be clearer. Saying something is in ""dormancy"" is concise but might require prior understanding of the term.

What's the difference between "dormancy" and "hibernation"?

Dormancy is a general term for a period of inactivity, while "hibernation" specifically refers to a state of inactivity during the winter, usually in animals.