Torpor vs. Hibernation — What's the Difference?

Torpor is a state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually by a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate. Torpor enables animals to survive periods of reduced food availability.

Hibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy characterized by low body-temperature, slow breathing and heart-rate, and low metabolic rate.

A state of mental or physical inactivity or insensibility.

To be in a dormant or torpid state during a cold period, especially during the winter.

Lethargy; apathy.

To be in an inactive or dormant state or period

The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or estivating animal.

A state of minimum power consumption, inactivity and metabolic depression in some animals during winter.

A state of being inactive or stuporous.

A hypothetical state of minimum power consumption, inactivity and metabolic depression in humans during long space flights.

A state of apathy or lethargy.

(computing) A standby state which conserves power by writing the contents of the memory to disk and completely power off the computer, in order that one will resume the session from the disk.

(biology) A state similar to hibernation characterised by energy-conserving, very deep sleep.

The act or state of hibernating.

Loss of motion, or of the motion; a state of inactivity with partial or total insensibility; numbness.

The torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter

Dullness; sluggishness; inactivity; as, a torpor of the mental faculties.

Cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals

A state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility;

The act of retiring into inactivity;

Inactivity resulting from torpidity and lack of vigor or energy