hypothermia

noun

hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: subnormal temperature of the body
hypothermic
ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mik How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
adjective

Examples of hypothermia in a Sentence

She fell into the cold water and nearly died from hypothermia.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the past two weeks, eight babies with hypothermia were admitted to the medical facility in Gaza City, said Dr. Salah. — Kareem Khadder, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025 More than 20 persons were aboard and two died of hypothermia. — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2025 The humidity is so relentless that everything remains perpetually damp, making hypothermia a constant threat. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 After 14 days isolated below, Collins died of thirst, hunger and hypothermia. — Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothermia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothermia was circa 1886

Rhymes for hypothermia

See All Rhymes for hypothermia

Browse Nearby Words

hypothermal
hypothermia
hypothesis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypothermia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothermia. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hypothermia

noun
hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: reduction of the body temperature to an abnormally low level

Medical Definition

hypothermia

noun
hy·​po·​ther·​mia -ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: subnormal temperature of the body
hypothermia, defined as temperature under 36.6°C— Emergency Medicine
hypothermic
-mik How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothermia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothermia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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