Meaning & Definition of word "Hypothermia"
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Hypothermia
/ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːrmiə/
noun:
- 1. a medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in a dangerously low body temperature.
- Example: After spending hours in the cold water, he was diagnosed with hypothermia.
- 2. a condition characterized by a drop in body temperature below 95°F (35°C).
- Example: The hikers were warned about the risk of hypothermia in the freezing weather conditions.
- 3. a state in which the body temperature falls below the normal range due to prolonged exposure to cold.
- Example: Children are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia during winter storms if they are not properly dressed.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'hypo-' meaning under or below, and 'thermia' meaning heat.
Common Phrases and Expressions
mild hypothermia:
A less severe form of hypothermia, often treatable without extensive medical intervention.
severe hypothermia:
A critical condition requiring immediate medical attention.
hypothermic reaction:
The body's response to extreme cold, which can include shivering, confusion, and fatigue.
Related Words
hyperthermia:
A condition in which the body temperature is elevated beyond normal limits.
frostbite:
Injury to body tissues caused by extreme cold, often related to hypothermia.
Slang Meanings of hypothermia
Meaning: Chill-out syndrome
Example Sentence: When she didn't wear a jacket in the snow, I told her she was asking for a chill-out syndrome.
Meaning: Ice cube syndrome
Example Sentence: He was so cold at the lake that I joked he had ice cube syndrome.