Dormancy/ˈdɔːrmənsi/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Living Things Refers to life cycles when organisms rest, like plant seeds before they grow. Most plants go through dormancy in harsh climates. Pro Tip 2/3Not Death Dormancy is reversible inactivity, not the end of life. Bears hibernate, entering a dormancy phase, not dying. Pro Tip 3/3Trigger Factors Usually triggered by environmental changes like temperature or moisture. Seed dormancy prevents germination until conditions are favorable.