diapause: Meaning and Definition of

di•a•pause

Pronunciation: (dī'u-pôz"), [key]

— n., v., -paused, -paus•ing.

—n.

a period of hormonally controlled quiescence, esp. in immature insects, characterized by cessation of growth and reduction of metabolic activity, often occurring seasonally or when environmental conditions are unfavorable.

—v.i.