The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Animation \An`i*ma"tion\, n. [L. animatio, fr. animare.]
   1. The act of animating, or giving life or spirit; the state
      of being animate or alive.
      [1913 Webster]

            The animation of the same soul quickening the whole
            frame.                                --Bp. Hall.
      [1913 Webster]

            Perhaps an inanimate thing supplies me, while I am
            speaking, with whatever I possess of animation.
                                                  --Landor.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and
      vigor; vivacity; spiritedness; as, he recited the story
      with great animation.
      [1913 Webster]

   Suspended animation, temporary suspension of the vital
      functions, as in persons nearly drowned.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Liveliness; vivacity; spirit; buoyancy; airiness;
        sprightliness; promptitude; enthusiasm; ardor;
        earnestness; energy. See Liveliness.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

suspended animation
    n 1: a temporary cessation of vital functions with loss of
         consciousness resembling death; usually resulting from
         asphyxia