hypothermia

American  

[hahy-puh-thur-mee-uh] / ˌhaɪ pəˈθɜr mi ə /

noun

1. Pathology. subnormal body temperature.

2. Medicine/Medical. the artificial reduction of body temperature to slow metabolic processes, as for facilitating heart surgery.

---

hypothermia British  

/ ˌhaɪpəʊˈθɜːmɪə /

noun

1. pathol an abnormally low body temperature, as induced in the elderly by exposure to cold weather

2. med the intentional reduction of normal body temperature, as by ice packs, to reduce the patient's metabolic rate: performed esp in heart and brain surgery

---

hypothermia Scientific  

/ hī′pə-thûr′mē-ə /

1. An abnormally low body temperature, often caused by prolonged exposure to cold.

2. Compare hyperthermia

---

Other Word Forms

• hypothermic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypothermia

First recorded in 1885–90; hypo- + therm- + -ia

Compare meaning

How does hypothermia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hypothermia vs. hyperthermia

Example Sentences

This year, Pasadena officials are anticipating more medical calls for things like hypothermia and foot injuries from marching in wet socks, said city spokesperson Lisa Derderian.

From Los Angeles Times

One woman was lightly injured with hypothermia and the two other skiers were unhurt, the force added.

From Barron's

Nathan started to feel the impact of hypothermia and began to lose consciousness on the ridge.

From BBC

He said he was extremely concerned that children living in tents and makeshift shelters in wet clothing would succumb to hypothermia and other illnesses.

From BBC

She was able to make it back to shore, and was also transported to the local hospital and treated for mild hypothermia.

From Los Angeles Times