cryonics

American  

[krahy-on-iks] / kraɪˈɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the deep-freezing of human bodies at death for preservation and possible revival in the future; cryostasis.

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cryonics British  

/ kraɪˈɒnɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the practice of freezing a human corpse in the hope of restoring it to life in the future

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Other Word Forms

• cryonic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cryonics

1965–70, cryo- + -nics, on the model of bionics, electronics, etc.

Explanation

Cryonics is the practice of freezing a dead body in the hope that future scientific research will make it possible to bring the person back to life one day. Many scientists are skeptical about cryonics. While there are some people who believe strongly that cryonics is a scientific way to preserve a human body, usually within minutes after the person's heart has stopped beating, mainstream scientists are generally doubtful that technology will ever allow for the defrosting and reanimating of these frozen bodies. Currently, there are a few hundred bodies that have been frozen through cryonics. The Greek root of cryonics is kryos, "icy cold."

Example Sentences

After Zhan Wenlian was given months to live by doctors, Gui Junmin decided to use cryonics - which is scientifically unproven - to preserve her body once she died.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

With advancements in cryonics and emerging technologies such as OrganEx, this is no longer just a science fiction hypothetical but a reality conceivable within our century.

From Washington Post • Aug. 19, 2022

"Epstein was also obsessed with cryonics, the transhumanist philosophy whose followers believe that people can be replicated or brought back to life after they are frozen," Brown writes.

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2021

The woman who allegedly tried to steal bodies was Valeria Udalova, a former CEO of the cryonics company KrioRus, founded in 2006.

From Slate • Sep. 21, 2021

Realistically speaking, the belief in an afterlife and the dedication to cryonics are less far apart than they seem at first glance.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai