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

Rapidly dropping water temperatures in the fall can significantly increase the risk of cold water shock and hypothermia for anyone who enters the water, according to DEEP officials. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026

Meadows’ death certificate later listed his cause of death as drowning with probable hypothermia. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Treating hypothermia, fever or secondary infections as their patients' bodies try to fight the virus. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026

The 15-year-old survivor had symptoms of hypothermia, the Coast Guard said. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 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