Definition of hibernaculum

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hi·ber·nac·u·lum    (hbr-nky-lm) KEY 

NOUN:
Biology pl. hi·ber·nac·u·la  (-l) KEY 

1. A protective case, covering, or structure, such as a plant bud, in which an organism remains dormant for the winter.
2. The shelter of a hibernating animal.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin hbernculum, winter residence, from hbernre, to winter, from hbernus, relating to winter; see ghei- in Indo-European roots