diving reflex
nounPhysiology.
a reflex of humans, other mammals, reptiles, and birds, triggered by immersion in cold water, that slows the heart rate and diverts blood flow to the brain, heart, and lungs: serves to conserve oxygen until breathing resumes and to delay potential brain damage.
Origin of diving reflex
1First recorded in 1975–80
Words Nearby diving reflex
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use diving reflex in a sentence
The diving reflex instinct seems to disappear by six months in most cases.
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