somnolescent,a.|sɒmnəˈlɛsənt| [f. somnolent a.: see -escent.] Drowsy, sleepy; inert. 1845Ford Handbk. Spain ii. 725 Somnolescent over business and awake only to intrigue.1886Encycl.Brit. XX. 201/1 The animal..lies there in a somnolescent state for perhaps hours.