dehydration

American  

[dee-hahy-drey-shuhn] / ˌdi haɪˈdreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of dehydrating.

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

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dehydration Scientific  

/ dē′hī-drā′shən /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of dehydration

First recorded in 1850–55; dehydrate + -ion

Example Sentences

At one point he was hospitalized for severe dehydration.

From Washington Post

Seven migrants, including a woman, two babies and a toddler, died from extreme summer heat and dehydration after crossing the Mexican border into Texas.

From Reuters

Some talked about experiencing dehydration and urinary tract infections as a result of avoiding the restroom at school.

From Los Angeles Times

He was stranded near Goose Island State Park and suffering from a respiratory infection and dehydration.

From Seattle Times

It adds that by Jan. 25, Mitchell, who was “already stressed by dehydration from receiving no water for over two days,” became hypothermic because of how cold his cell was, wearing nothing but the gown.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• lack
• scarcity