1. A state of suspended development or dormancy in insects and other organisms, characterized by reduced metabolic activity and resistance to environmental stress.
Usage: biology; plural form of diapause

1. To enter or undergo a state of diapause; to remain in a dormant or suspended state of development.
Usage: biology; third-person singular present tense

Examples

• Many insects enter diapauses during winter to survive harsh conditions.
• The butterfly diapauses as a chrysalis before emerging in spring.
• Photoperiod and temperature trigger diapauses in many species.
• Some organisms diapauses for months or even years.
• The mosquito diapauses in the egg stage to endure freezing temperatures.
• Researchers study how diapauses help organisms adapt to seasonal changes.