thanatosis

thanatosis (than-uh-TOH-suhs) - n., the act of feigning death.


Can be a reaction to a shock (the first F of freeze-fight-flight) or a defensive measure to deter predators that don't scavenge. Also called apparent death, tonic immobility, and playing possum.


Thanks, WikiMedia!

Coined in New (aka Scientific) Latin from Ancient Greek roots thánatos, death + -ōsis, noun suffix indicating state/condition.


Administrivia: I'm taking a break next week for the winter holidays, but should be back (unless the chaos spirals out of hand) the week after.

---L.