cryptobiosis
2
9.9
- noun
- /ˌkrɪptoʊˈbaɪəsɪs/
- Specialized
- Tardigrades can survive extreme conditions by entering a state of cryptobiosis where their metabolic processes slow down significantly.
Examples
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When exposed to freezing temperatures, some seeds can enter cryptobiosis, helping them survive until conditions improve.
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Recently, the world's record for cryptobiosis may have been set when oil exploration crews drilling near the Great Salt Lake retrieved cysts from sediments buried deep below the surface.
Academic text (1994) -
For example, when stressed by the extreme cold and drought of the dry valleys, nematodes enter a state of anhydrobiosis or cryptobiosis (Powers et al. 1994) in which they can survive for decades (Freckman 1986).
Academic text (1999) -
The embryos can either develop continuously into offspring capable of locomotion at birth, or development can be arrested and the embryo encapsulated, resulting in a cyst that can lie in a state of cryptobiosis, or suspended animation, for extended periods.
Academic text (1994) -
Researchers studied the phenomenon of cryptobiosis in microscopic organisms to understand how they endure harsh environments.
Synonyms
A temporary state where a living thing appears dead but revives when wet
Surface Forms
Morphology
cryptobiosis = biosis (semi-transparent) = crypto + biosis
The word is built from the prefix crypto- 'hidden' plus the technical noun biosis 'life process', so the structure is interpretable but specialized.
Etymology
Cryptobiosis comes from the Greek parts crypto- meaning 'hidden', as in cryptic, and -biosis meaning 'life', as in biology. So it literally means 'hidden life' and describes when a creature almost stops its life functions to survive very harsh conditions.