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 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 Exposure to extreme heat can damage the central nervous system, the brain and other vital organs, and the effects can set in with terrifying speed, resulting in heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heatstroke. Terri Adams-Fuller, Scientific American, 15 June 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat cramps was in 1938

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 28 Mar. 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

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