hypoxia

noun

hyp·​ox·​ia hi-ˈpäk-sē-ə  hī- 

: a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body

Examples of hypoxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On a genomic level, the researchers found sequences of genes that are typically seen in other high-altitude animals, such as genes adapted for hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 July 2026

In 2025, hypoxia in the Long Island Sound was found to be at its lowest since tracking began in 1987, according to the Long Island Sound Partnership. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

The method of nitrogen hypoxia requires prisoners to breathe in the gas through an industrial-grade mask while strapped to a gurney and being deprived of oxygen. — Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 12 June 2026

International human rights leaders have condemned nitrogen hypoxia as experimental, violent and potentially torturous. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypoxia

• anoxia
• hyperoxia

Medical Definition

hypoxia

noun

hyp·​ox·​ia hip-ˈäk-sē-ə  hī-ˈpäk- 

: a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body

Mountain sickness is caused primarily by a lack of oxygen, or hypoxia. Atmospheric pressure decreases as one moves away from sea level, and because the percentage of oxygen in air remains constant, the concentration of oxygen is decreased. Lower levels of oxygen initiate a series of potentially fatal physiological changes.

—Charles S. Houston, Scientific American