hot flash

noun

|Updated on: 30 Jul 2018

Definition of hot flash

: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance — called also hot flush

See hot flash defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of hot flash from the Web

Endocrine therapy also has side effects, which can include hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, weight gain and pain in joints and muscles.

— denise grady, New York Times, "Good News for Women With Breast Cancer: Many Don’t Need Chemo," 3 June 2018
Soy might improve fertility and help with hot flashes.

— marygrace taylor, Good Housekeeping, "Is Soy Good Or Bad For You? We Have The Science-Backed Answer.," 17 May 2017
Genomic tests may also clarify who should take hormone-blocking therapy — with its hot flashes and other side effects — for five years rather than seven or 10 years years, Gradishar said.

— marie mccullough, Philly.com, "What the latest news on breast cancer, chemo and genomic testing could mean for you," 5 June 2018
The comedy-drama alludes to how, following pregnancy, women have reported experiencing a whole host of changes, including hair loss, depression, dry skin and hot flashes.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "It’s True—After Giving Birth, Women’s Voices Temporarily Drop," 1 June 2018
Whether due to the night-waking of young children or hot flashes from the onset of perimenopause, middle-age is when sleep quality goes downhill for many women.

— NBC News, "Why it takes longer for women to lose weight after 40 (even Charlize Theron)," 4 May 2018
Within a month, my mood smoothed out, hot flashes disappeared, and renewed energy and deep sleep returned.

— ruth o. selig, Washington Post, "Years ago when my twin got breast cancer I took drastic action and am grateful I did," 28 May 2018
Licensed acupuncturist Ioanna Vouloumanou discusses how to treat hot flashes, irregular cycle, sleep disturbance, mood swings and other changes associated with hormones.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Poker Tourney raises $250K for Boys&Girls Club...community news," 25 May 2018
Among women whose bodies produce the soy metabolite equol, those who consumed the most soy experienced significantly fewer hot flashes and night sweats compared to those who ate the least soy, found one Menopause study.

— marygrace taylor, Good Housekeeping, "Is Soy Good Or Bad For You? We Have The Science-Backed Answer.," 17 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hot flash.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hot flash

1907

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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HOT FLASH Defined for English Language Learners

hot flash

noun

Definition of hot flash for English Language Learners

: a sudden brief hot feeling experienced especially by women during menopause

Medical Dictionary

hot flash

noun

medical Definition of hot flash

: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance — called also hot flush