Aestivate
/ˈiː.stɪ.veɪt/noun
To spend the summer in a dormant or inactive state, or to remain inactive during hot weather.
Did you know?Aestivate comes from Latin *aestivus* (“of summer”), ultimately tied to the same ancient root as *estuary* and *estivate’s* cooler cousin *estival*, all circling the idea of heat, season, and the sun’s force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eus-
“to shine, dawn, or heat; the ancient root behind brightness and summer heat”
Latin
Latin
aestas
“summer”
Latin
Latin
aestivus
“of summer; summer-like”
Late Latin
Latin
aestivare
“to spend the summer”
18th Century
English
aestivate
“to pass the summer, especially in a dormant state”
Modern English
English
aestivate
“to become inactive during the hot season or summer”