dormant

Dormant describes a state of inactivity in which an organism, tissue, or system is not currently active but remains capable of renewed activity. In biology and geology, dormancy refers to a reversible suspension of growth or function, often as a response to unfavorable conditions. In geology, a volcano may be termed dormant if it is not erupting now but retains the potential to erupt in the future.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from the Latin dormire, meaning “to sleep,” and entered English via Old French and Middle English. It has been used since the medieval period to describe sleep-like inactivity in living things or processes and is now applied in diverse scientific and everyday contexts.

Biology: Dormancy is an adaptive strategy that lowers metabolic rate and increases resistance to stress during adverse conditions. Seed dormancy prevents germination until the environment is suitable; diapause is a prolonged form of dormancy seen in some insects and arthropods; buds and tubers may likewise become dormant to survive winter. Triggers include temperature, light, moisture, and internal hormonal signals; abscisic acid tends to promote dormancy, while gibberellins encourage growth. Exit from dormancy usually requires specific cues, such as prolonged cold (stratification), moisture, or changes in light.

Geology and other uses: A dormant volcano has not erupted recently but can become active again, whereas an extinct volcano is not expected to erupt. In broader use, dormant describes latent potential or capabilities in organisms, tissues, or systems, such as a dormant talent that may awaken under the right conditions.