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heat cramps
plural noun
: a condition that is marked by sudden development of cramps in skeletal muscles and that results from prolonged work or exercise in high temperatures accompanied by profuse perspiration with loss of sodium chloride from the body
Examples of heat cramps in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This weather is considered a major heat risk; overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, this can lead to heat stroke.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 3 June 2024
If not properly hydrated, some of the illnesses that could occur are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes.
—Justin Miller Communications Specialist Alabama Cooperative Extension System, al, 29 Aug. 2023
With heat islands, extremely hot weather can become intensified and cause breathing problems, heat cramps, heat stroke, and can lead to illness or death.
—Ellie Willard, The Arizona Republic, 28 Aug. 2023
While extreme heat can contribute to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, and death, the temperature only tells part of the story.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 11 July 2023
Heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke, according to the Harford County Health Department.
—Maria Morales, Baltimore Sun, 27 July 2023
From heat cramps to heatstroke, there are many conditions that can occur because of prolonged exposure to hot, humid weather.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023
Having low electrolyte levels and dehydration can both contribute to the experience of heat cramps.
—Leah Groth, Health, 10 June 2023
When workers at a dollar store called 911, her arms were seized with heat cramps and her skin was as red as licorice.
—Jack Healy, New York Times, 16 July 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heat cramps.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1938, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near heat cramps
Cite this Entry
“Heat cramps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20cramps. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
heat cramps
noun plural
: a condition that is marked by sudden development of cramps in skeletal muscles and that results from prolonged work or exercise in high temperatures accompanied by profuse perspiration with loss of sodium chloride from the body
More from Merriam-Webster on heat cramps
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heat cramps
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