First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
torpor
noun tor·por \ˈtȯr-pər\
: a state of not being active and having very little energy
Full Definition of TORPOR
1
a : a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility b : a state of lowered physiological activity typically characterized by reduced metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature that occurs in varying degrees especially in hibernating and estivating animals
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Origin of TORPOR
Middle English, from Latin, from torpēre
Related to TORPOR
Synonym Discussion of TORPOR
lethargy, languor, lassitude, stupor, torpor mean physical or mental inertness. lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs <months of lethargy followed my accident>. languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love <languor induced by a tropical vacation>. lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health <a depression marked by lassitude>. stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants <lapsed into an alcoholic stupor>. torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness <a once alert mind now in a torpor>.
Other Physiology Terms
Medical Dictionary
torpor
noun tor·por \ˈtȯr-pər\
Medical Definition of TORPOR
: a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility : extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function
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