third-degree burn

noun

Definition of third-degree burn

: a severe burn characterized by destruction of the skin through its deeper layers and possibly into underlying tissues, loss of fluid, and sometimes shock

Examples of third-degree burn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using an air fryer is also safer than using a deep fryer, in that you’re not cooking at the risk of third-degree burns. — Betty Gold, Good Housekeeping, "The 5 Best Air Fryers for Making Crispy Comfort Foods So Much Healthier," 20 Nov. 2018 Dave Repsher, who suffered third-degree burns over 90% of his body in a 2015 helicopter accident in Colorado, exemplifies the human toll when fuel tanks lacking the most-advanced safety features rupture in a crash. — Jim Carlton, WSJ, "How One Burned Helicopter Nurse Has Gone on Living," 7 Aug. 2018 According to the Mayo Clinic, third-degree burns occur when the burn reaches the fat layer beneath the skin, which can even destroy nerves and cause numbness. — Mckenzie Schwark, Teen Vogue, "Hot Water Challenge Results in Second Degree Burns For One Teen," 30 July 2018 Just under a month ago, we were warned that giant hogweed, a plant that can cause third-degree burns or even blindness, was cropping up across Virginia; now, 17-year-old Alex Childress has accidentally come into contact with the plant. — Caitlin Wolper, Teen Vogue, "Virginia Teen Gets 3rd Degree Burns From Rare Weed," 14 July 2018 The plant is the giant hogweed: up to 15 feet tall, with white flowers that bloom to the size of an umbrella, and sap that can cause third-degree burns if not treated immediately. — Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, "Giant, Scary Invasive Flower Can Cause Third-Degree Burns," 7 July 2018 In California, two adult bears that suffered third-degree burns in a wildfire last year recovered and were released back into the wild. — CBS News, "Orphaned bear cub rescued after paws are scorched in Colorado wildfire," 29 June 2018 The sizzle of a steel skillet is a deterrent against a third-degree burn. — Matt Simon, WIRED, "Pain Is Weird. Making Bionic Arms Feel Pain Is Even Weirder," 22 June 2018 In June, officials warned outdoorsy types about coming into contact with giant hogweed, an invasive plant that can lead to third-degree burns and blindness. — Sarah Klein, Health.com, "Giant Hogweed Sent This Virginia Teen to the Hospital. Here's What to Know About the Scary Plant That Can Burn Your Skin and Lead to Blindness," 13 July 2018

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

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5 Jan 2019

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The first known use of third-degree burn was in 1930

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third-degree burn

noun

third-de·gree burn | \ ˈthərd-di-ˌgrē-ˈ

Medical Definition of third-degree burn

: a severe burn characterized by destruction of the skin through the depth of the dermis and possibly into underlying tissues, loss of fluid, and sometimes shock