anabiosis

9.9

A temporary state where a living thing appears dead but revives when wet

noun
/ˌænəˈbaɪəsɪs/

Specialized

: anabiosis

During anabiosis, the organism appears lifeless but can revive when moisture returns.

Examples

The seeds entered a state of anabiosis during the drought.
Some desert-dwelling animals survive long dry periods through anabiosis.
Scientists have studied anabiosis to understand how certain bacteria withstand harsh environments.
Some organisms can survive anabiosis for years.
During anabiosis, the organism appears lifeless but can revive when moisture returns.
Some desert-dwelling animals survive long dry periods through anabiosis.
The seeds entered a state of anabiosis during the drought.

Antonyms

revival

82 4.2

A return of interest or activity after a time of decline

Surface Forms

anabiosis singular

anabioses plural

Morphology

anabiosis = ana + biosis

Formed from the prefix 'ana-' + the combining form 'biosis' (life/process); the components suggest 'restoration or revival of life', but the term is technical and not fully predictable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Anabiosis comes from Greek parts ana- meaning 'again' or 'back' and bios meaning 'life', and you can see bio in the word biology. So anabiosis means 'life coming back', which explains why it describes living things that seem lifeless but can revive when moisture returns.