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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

torpor

noun / TOR-pur / Hard
Meaning

A state of physical or mental inactivity; in biology, a short-term reduction of metabolic activity to conserve energy.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin torpor, numbness or sluggishness, from torpere, to be numb or stiff.

Synonyms
lethargy dormancy inertia sluggishness
Antonyms
vigour alertness activity animation
Example Sentence
"Many small mammals enter daily torpor to survive cold nights, lowering their body temperature to save energy."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Works in GS3 science answers on animal physiology and adaptation, and figuratively in essays on institutional inaction, for example, 'bureaucratic torpor can defeat even a well-designed welfare scheme.'

Relevant Subjects
Science Tech
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