[ ˌi:stɪ'veɪʃ(ə)n , ˌɛst- ]
( US estivation )
■ noun
1》 Zoology prolonged torpor or dormancy of an insect, fish, or amphibian during a hot or dry period.
2》 Botany the arrangement of petals and sepals in a flower bud before it opens. Compare with vernation .
Derivatives
aestivate verb
Origin
C17: from L. aestivat- , aestivare 'spend the summer', from aestus 'heat' + -ation .