dehydration

[dee-hahy-drey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of dehydrating.

2. an abnormal loss of water from the body, especially from illness or physical exertion.

dehydration

1. The process of losing or removing water or moisture.

2. A condition caused by the excessive loss of water from the body, which causes a rise in blood sodium levels. Since dehydration is most often caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, water loss is usually accompanied by a deficiency of electrolytes. If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dehydration¹

First recorded in 1850–55; dehydrate + -ion

Example Sentences

She said that surviving trees also face the threat of dehydration as water has been sparse.

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Eubank was admitted to hospital after the win and said he lost a toenail to "severe dehydration".

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Another study indicated that intermittent fasting may produce side effects such as weakness, hunger, dehydration, headaches and difficulty concentrating.

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"If you're working in heat and your body temperature increases by, over a longer period, over 38C, then you are at risk of severe heat-related stress and stroke, kidney failure, dehydration."

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Authorities said he was then flown to a landing zone nearby and treated for minor injuries and dehydration.

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Related Words

• lack 
• scarcity