in mammals, a condition in which a fertilized egg reaches the uterus but delays its implantation in the uterine lining, sometimes for several months.

usually, the fertilized egg implants in the wall of the female's uterus shortly after mating and fertilization. However, in delayed implantation, the fertilized egg does not implant in the female's uterus until much later, thus implantation is delayed. Once implantation occurs the fertilized egg quickly becomes a developing embryo. This process is found in family Mustelidae (weasel family) and family Ursidae (bear family).

a condition found in some mammals where a fertilized egg will develop to the blastula stage, then lie dormant, perhaps for months, before implantation and further development

a developing embryo remains dormant in the uterus for periods from 12 days-11 months, depending on species

A phenomenon whereby a developing embryo pauses, or delays, its development before implanting (attaching) in the uterus.

The reproductive process whereby, after fertilization, the embryo divides a few times and then floats free in the uterus, without further development, for some time (that, depending on the animal, can include up to more than six months) before implanting on the uterine wall and resuming development.