hypothermia

noun

hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə 

: subnormal temperature of the body

hypothermic

ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mik 

adjective

Examples of hypothermia in a Sentence

She fell into the cold water and nearly died from hypothermia.

Recent Examples on the Web

His past coworkers said the surgeon also frequently took multiple hours on emergency procedures that would ideally be done in under an hour to avoid complications like hypothermia, hypotension and clotting issues. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026

Let a hypothermic victim get some sleep After the shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and clumsiness of hypothermia have manifested, an exposure victim also gets drowsy. — Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026

Weakness, frostbite, and the early stages of hypothermia are obvious long before a reasonably fit person collapses. — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Rayner said the body’s cold water shock response is a completely different phenomena than hypothermia. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypothermia

• hyperthermia

Kids Definition

hypothermia

noun

hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə 

: reduction of the body temperature to an abnormally low level

Medical Definition

hypothermia

noun

hy·​po·​ther·​mia -ˈthər-mē-ə 

: subnormal temperature of the body

hypothermia, defined as temperature under 36.6°C

—Emergency Medicine

hypothermic

-mik 

adjective