[syn: estivation, aestivation]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
AEstivation \[AE]s`ti*va"tion\, n.
1. (Zool.) The state of torpidity induced by the heat and
dryness of summer, as in certain snails; -- opposed to
hibernation.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Bot.) The arrangement of the petals in a flower bud, as
to folding, overlapping, etc.; prefloration. --Gray.
[1913 Webster] [Spelt also estivation.]
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
aestivation
n 1: (zoology) cessation or slowing of activity during the
summer; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals
during a hot or dry period [syn: estivation,
aestivation]
2: (botany) the arrangement of sepals and petals in a flower bud
before it opens [syn: estivation, aestivation]