Dormant | Definition of dormant by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of DORMANT

1

: represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws

2

: marked by a suspension of activity: as

a : temporarily devoid of external activity <a dormant volcano>

b : temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated

3

a : asleep, inactive

b : having the faculties suspended : sluggish

c : having biological activity suspended: as (1) : being in a state of suspended animation (2) : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment —used of plant parts

4

: associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy <dormant grafting>

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Origin of DORMANT

Middle English, fixed, stationary, from Anglo-French, from present participle of dormir to sleep, from Latin dormire; akin to Sanskrit drāti he sleeps

First Known Use: circa 1500

Related to DORMANT

Synonyms: asleep, dozing, napping, resting, sleeping, slumbering

Antonyms: awake, sleepless, wakeful, wide-awake

Synonym Discussion of DORMANT

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop <a latent desire for success>. dormant suggests the inactivity of something (as a feeling or power) as though sleeping <their passion had lain dormant>. quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity <the disease was quiescent>. potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have <a potential disaster>.