hypothermia

noun

hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: subnormal temperature of the body
hypothermic adjective

Examples of hypothermia in a Sentence

She fell into the cold water and nearly died from hypothermia.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An autopsy later revealed that O’Keefe had died from blunt force trauma and hypothermia. Sean Neumann, People.com, 25 June 2025 Officials warn that water below 70 degrees is cold enough to cause hypothermia if a person is exposed to such conditions for a long period of time. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Separately, agents responding to an emergency call found a 16-year-old girl suffering from hypothermia, without food or water, and two deceased adults. Ronny Rojas, NBC news, 16 June 2025 Cold plunging also comes with serious risks of hypothermia (low body temperature), drowning, and decreased circulation.8 Supplements: Many supplements are marketed to improve all sorts of body functions, from athletic performance to immune support. Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothermia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothermia was circa 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypothermia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothermia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hypothermia

noun
hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: reduction of the body temperature to an abnormally low level

Medical Definition

hypothermia

noun
hy·​po·​ther·​mia -ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: subnormal temperature of the body
hypothermia, defined as temperature under 36.6°CEmergency Medicine
hypothermic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothermia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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