altitude sickness

noun

: the effects (such as headache, nausea, or swelling of the brain) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure see mountain sickness

Examples of altitude sickness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The buildup can lead to altitude sickness—the headaches, nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbances that Kong and some of his colleagues experienced firsthand during their time in Tibet. Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024 Mountain climbing: medium risk Mountain climbing poses several risks during pregnancy—first there’s the fall risk, but also the altitude sickness risk. Sarah Bradley, Parents, 22 July 2024 The Inca Trail reaches an elevation of 13,800 feet above sea level, making acclimation critical, especially for those who have experienced altitude sickness previously. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 17 Apr. 2024 Commonly called altitude sickness, the condition can cause nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for altitude sickness 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'altitude sickness.' 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

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altitude sickness was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near altitude sickness

Cite this Entry

“Altitude sickness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altitude%20sickness. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

altitude sickness

noun
al·​ti·​tude sickness ˌal-tə-ˌt(y)üd- How to pronounce altitude sickness (audio)
: the effects (as nosebleed, nausea, headache, or cerebral edema) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes with reduced atmospheric pressure

More from Merriam-Webster on altitude sickness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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