Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

snow blindness

noun
  1. the usually temporary dimming of the sight caused by the glare of reflected sunlight on snow.
Show More

Origin of snow blindness

First recorded in 1740–50
Related formssnow-blind [snoh-blahynd] /ˈsnoʊˌblaɪnd/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for snow-blind

Historical Examples

  • This, the first "snow-blind day" claimed McLean for its victim.

    The Home of the Blizzard

    Douglas Mawson

  • He was evidently ill, and, as they soon realised, snow-blind.

  • When they got back to the ship it was dinner-time, and both were snow-blind.

  • One of them, snow-blind, towed helplessly at the rear of a sled.

  • But snow-blind men can see in the darkness, and he discovered that he was lying on his back in a room where a fire was flickering.

British Dictionary definitions for snow-blind

snow-blind

adjective
  1. temporarily unable to see or having impaired vision because of the intense reflection of sunlight from snow
Show More
Derived Formssnow blindness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for snow-blind

adj.

1748, from snow (n.) + blind (adj.).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
snow-blind in Medicine

snow blindness

(snō)
n.
  1. A usually temporary loss of vision and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea caused by exposure to bright sunlight and ultraviolet rays reflected from snow or ice.
Show More
Related formssnow′-blind′ null adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.