sleep of plants

1 definition found

sleep of plants - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sleep \Sleep\, n. [AS. sl[=ae]p; akin to OFries. sl[=e]p, OS.
     sl[=a]p, D. slaap, OHG. sl[=a]f, G. schlaf, Goth. sl[=e]ps.
     See Sleep, v. i.]
     A natural and healthy, but temporary and periodical,
     suspension of the functions of the organs of sense, as well
     as of those of the voluntary and rational soul; that state of
     the animal in which there is a lessened acuteness of sensory
     perception, a confusion of ideas, and a loss of mental
     control, followed by a more or less unconscious state. "A man
     that waketh of his sleep." --Chaucer.
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           O sleep, thou ape of death.              --Shak.
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     Note: Sleep is attended by a relaxation of the muscles, and
           the absence of voluntary activity for any rational
           objects or purpose. The pulse is slower, the
           respiratory movements fewer in number but more
           profound, and there is less blood in the cerebral
           vessels. It is susceptible of greater or less intensity
           or completeness in its control of the powers.
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     Sleep of plants (Bot.), a state of plants, usually at
        night, when their leaflets approach each other, and the
        flowers close and droop, or are covered by the folded
        leaves.
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     Syn: Slumber; repose; rest; nap; doze; drowse.
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