frostbite

American  

[frawst-bahyt, frost-] / ˈfrɔstˌbaɪt, ˈfrɒst- /

noun

1. injury to any part of the body after excessive exposure to extreme cold, sometimes progressing from initial redness and tingling to gangrene.

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verb (used with object)

frostbit, frostbitten, frostbiting

1. to injure by frost or extreme cold.

frostbite British  

/ ˈfrɒstˌbaɪt /

noun

1. destruction of tissues, esp those of the fingers, ears, toes, and nose, by freezing, characterized by tingling, blister formation, and gangrene

2. a type of small sailing dinghy

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frostbite Scientific  

/ frôst′bīt′ /

1. Damage to a part of the body as a result of exposure to freezing temperatures. It is caused by a loss of blood supply and the formation of ice crystals in the affected body part.

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Etymology

Origin of frostbite

First recorded in 1605–15; frost + bite

Example Sentences

It’s New Year’s Eve glitter, minus the frostbite.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Hypothermia and frostbite on limbs are common, said Nastya, a paramedic with the Da Vinci Wolves brigade.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

I watched a medic spray a man with saline solution, while another medic treated a man with frostbite, at tables that would normally be set for lunch.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

It warned that the Arctic blast will bring sub-zero temperatures and wind chills, which "pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin".

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

Instead of shivering and worrying about frostbite, I was now sweating heavily beneath a scorching sun.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• chill
• snow