ScienceJuly 14, 2026
hibernaculum
/ˌhaɪ.bərˈnæk.jə.ləm/
Definition
A specialized, controlled environment or facility designed to mimic the natural conditions required for animals to successfully enter and maintain a state of hibernation.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'hibernaculum', meaning 'winter quarters' or 'a place for wintering', stemming from 'hibernare' (to winter). It entered English in the 17th century to describe the shelters where animals spend the winter.
In the news
In the article, the term refers to a lab setting where researchers keep a colony of 13-lined ground squirrels to study how they hibernate. This environment is crucial for observing the animals' survival mechanisms in a controlled way.
Can humans hibernate their way to Mars?
Read the full article ↗The Guardian