cryptobiosis
/ˌkrɪptoʊbaɪˈoʊsɪs/
noun
- A state in which an organism's metabolic activity slows down or stops completely, allowing it to survive extreme conditions.
- Some tiny animals can enter cryptobiosis to survive freezing temperatures.
- During cryptobiosis, the organism appears dead but can revive when conditions improve.
- Scientists study cryptobiosis to learn how life can endure harsh environments.
Synonyms