anabiosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowScientific / Technical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “anabiosis” mean?
A state of suspended animation or dormancy in an organism, where metabolic processes are extremely reduced, allowing survival in adverse conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of suspended animation or dormancy in an organism, where metabolic processes are extremely reduced, allowing survival in adverse conditions.
By extension, it can metaphorically describe a state of suspended activity, dormancy, or inactivity in non-biological contexts (e.g., projects, economies).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The term is equally rare and technical in both variants.
Connotations
Purely scientific/literary; no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, found almost exclusively in biology texts, research papers, or high-register literary works.
Grammar
How to Use “anabiosis” in a Sentence
The [ORGANISM] entered a state of anabiosis.[CONDITION] can induce anabiosis in [ORGANISM].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anabiosis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Use 'enter anabiosis' or 'become anabiotic'.]
American English
- [No standard verb form. Use 'undergo anabiosis' or 'enter anabiosis'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- The anabiotic rotifer revived after rehydration.
American English
- Researchers studied anabiotic nematodes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A metaphorical stretch: 'The project remains in anabiosis until next year's budget.'
Academic
Used in biological sciences, especially physiology, ecology, and astrobiology. Example: 'The study focused on anhydrobiosis, a form of anabiosis.'
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or understood.
Technical
Core usage context. Precise term in biology for a specific survival state.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anabiosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anabiosis”
- Using it to mean 'resuscitation' or 'rebirth'. Mispronouncing it with stress on 'na' (e.g., /ˈænəbaɪoʊsɪs/). Using it as a verb ('to anabiose' is not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Anabiosis is a reversible state of extremely low metabolic activity. Death is irreversible.
No, humans cannot naturally enter true anabiosis. The concept is sometimes used in science fiction for 'cryogenic sleep', but this is not scientifically established.
Hibernation is a regulated, seasonal torpor with reduced but still significant metabolism. Anabiosis is a more extreme state, often triggered by desiccation, where metabolism becomes nearly undetectable.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term used almost exclusively in biological sciences and occasionally in literary contexts.
A state of suspended animation or dormancy in an organism, where metabolic processes are extremely reduced, allowing survival in adverse conditions.
Anabiosis is usually scientific / technical / literary in register.
Anabiosis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanəbʌɪˈəʊsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænəbaɪˈoʊsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. Term itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ANA' (up/again, as in 'anabolism' - building up) + 'BIOSIS' (life). It's a state where life is 'paused' but can be 'built up' or restarted.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PROCESS THAT CAN BE PAUSED AND RESUMED.
Practice
Quiz
Anabiosis is most closely related to which of the following concepts?