hypothermia
HY-poh-THUR-mee-uh
/ˌhaɪ.pəˈθɜː.mi.ə/
A dangerous medical condition where body temperature drops below normal due to prolonged cold exposure.
In ocean rescues, hypothermia occurs rapidly because water conducts heat away from human skin 25 times faster than air.
The story behind the word. Coined in modern medical Latin from Greek 'hypo' (under/below) and 'therme' (heat), literally meaning 'under-heated'.
Word relationships
- freezing: Freezing is an informal description, whereas hypothermia is a precise medical diagnosis.
- hyperthermia: Abnormally high body temperature caused by heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Commonly confused with
- hyperthermia: HYPOthermia means dangerous cold; HYPERthermia means dangerous heat.
Word family
- hypothermic (adjective): Affected by hypothermia.
Collocations
- severe hypothermia
- onset of hypothermia
- treat for hypothermia
Example sentences
- "The capsize survivor was treated immediately for severe hypothermia after thirty minutes in cold water." Medical report from rescue
Memory hook
HYPO = Low; THERM = Thermometer; Low heat in the body. Dangerous drop in core body temperature.
When not to use
Do not confuse with hyperthermia, which is abnormally high body temperature.
Fun facts
- In 50°F (10°C) water, severe hypothermia can impair arm movements in less than fifteen minutes.
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