Definition of: sleep

(slēp) noun
1. A state or period of complete or partial unconsciousness, normal and periodic in man and the higher animals. In animals it is sometimes much prolonged, as in hibernation.
2. A period of slumber.
3. Any condition of inactivity, torpor, or rest; specifically, the rest of the grave; death.
4. Nyctitropism. See synonyms under REST¹.
—to go to sleep
1. To fall asleep.
2. To become numb, often with a tingling sensation, from retarded circulation.
—v. slept, sleep·ing v.i.
1. To be or fall asleep; slumber.
2. To be in a state resembling sleep; to be dormant, inactive or quiet, or to rest in death.
3. To be in a benumbed state from retarded circulation of the blood: My foot sleeps.
4. To spin with such velocity as to be without apparent motion, as a top.
5. To undergo nyctitropism.
6. Bot. To assume a different position at night, as petals.
—v.t.
7. To rest or repose in: with a cognate object: to sleep the sleep of the dead.
8. To provide with sleeping quarters; lodge: The hotel can sleep a hundred guests. See synonyms under REST¹.
—to sleep away (or off or out) To pass or get rid of by or as by sleep: to sleep off a hang–over.
—to sleep on To postpone a decision upon. [OE slēp]
Sleep may appear as a combining form in hyphemes; as in: