dormant (ˈdɔːmənt
)
Definitions
adjective
- quiet and inactive, as during sleep
- latent or inoperative
- (of a volcano) neither extinct nor erupting
- biology alive but in a resting torpid condition with suspended growth and reduced metabolism
- (usually postpositive) heraldry (of a beast) in a sleeping position
Alternative Forms
ˈdormancy nounWord Origin
C14: from Old French dormant, from dormir to sleep, from Latin dormīreSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
inactive,
sleeping,
inert,
suspended,
asleep,
sluggish,
slumbering,
comatose,
hibernating,
torpid,
Usage examples
He hates her with a passion, but because he is exhausted the passion lies dormant.
, A Means to Evil (1993)The Babbar Khalsa is spearheading the bid to revive dormant terrorist groups.
India Today (1999)People have attached considerable significance to the word dormant.
Irish Times (2002)Yet since his arrest on charges of child molestation she appears to have rediscovered her dormant mothering instinct.
Sun, News of the World (2004)The dormant face Any flesh hanging loose on the face is dormant muscle tissue or fat.
, The Natural Face Book (1991)