frostbite

[frawst-bahyt, frost-]

noun

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

verb (used with object)

frostbit, frostbitten, frostbiting. 

1. to injure by frost or extreme cold.

frostbite

/ 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

frostbite

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frostbite¹

First recorded in 1605–15; frost + bite

Example Sentences

They include scenes of people dying after being forcibly infected by venomous fleas and of experiments to induce frostbite by leaving undressed people outside to freeze.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Immediately, 11,056,200 headed for the exits, with joy in their hearts and frostbite over the rest of their bodies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Waist-deep snow, ice fields, avalanches and the risk of hypothermia and frostbite make the mountain a far riskier proposition.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He was described by the park as having severe frostbite and hypothermia.

Read more on Seattle Times

At least three other climbers have been rescued in late-May after sustaining injuries on the mountain, including two who had been receiving treatment for frostbite from National Park Service personnel and were rescued Tuesday.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• chill 
• snow