cryonics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyTechnical, Scientific, Specialised
Quick answer
What does “cryonics” mean?
The practice or technique of deep-freezing the bodies of people who have just died, with the speculative hope that future medical science may be able to revive them and cure the cause of death.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or technique of deep-freezing the bodies of people who have just died, with the speculative hope that future medical science may be able to revive them and cure the cause of death.
The broader field of study, technology, and advocacy surrounding the preservation of humans or animals at very low temperatures after legal death, based on the speculative premise of future resuscitation. Can also refer to the industry or community built around this practice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept and term are identical. Spelling conventions follow standard national patterns in compound words (e.g., 'cryonics organisation' vs. 'cryonics organization').
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes fringe science, futurism, and significant ethical/scientific controversy. It may have slightly stronger associations with American tech culture and Silicon Valley futurism due to prominent advocates and companies based in the US.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the higher number of cryonics organisations and public advocates in the United States.
Grammar
How to Use “cryonics” in a Sentence
N + of + cryonics (e.g., 'the principles of cryonics')Adj + cryonics (e.g., 'modern cryonics')V + cryonics (e.g., 'to choose cryonics', 'to research cryonics')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cryonics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form. Use 'to undergo cryonic suspension' or 'to be placed in cryonics'.]
American English
- [No verb form. Use 'to be cryopreserved' or 'to sign up for cryonics'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- He had a cryonics agreement in place.
- The cryonics facility maintained strict protocols.
American English
- She researched cryonics organizations for years.
- His cryonics membership was fully funded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of companies offering cryonics services, membership contracts, and insurance policies to fund the procedure.
Academic
Used in bioethics papers, speculative futures studies, and articles discussing the scientific plausibility and legal status of the practice.
Everyday
Rare. Used in discussions about extreme life-extension, science fiction, or controversial end-of-life choices.
Technical
Used in discussions of perfusion protocols, vitrification solutions, long-term storage in dewars (cryogenic containers), and neuropreservation vs. whole-body preservation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cryonics”
- Confusing 'cryonics' (for whole bodies) with 'cryogenics' (the general science).
- Using it as a verb ('to cryonics someone' is wrong; use 'to place someone in cryonic suspension').
- Misspelling as 'cryogenics'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Standard freezing damages cells. Cryonics aims to use a process called vitrification, which turns tissues into a glass-like state to minimise ice crystal damage, though full success is not yet achievable.
Yes, in many countries, including the US and UK, it is legal to perform cryonics on a person after they have been declared legally dead. It is considered an alternative form of final disposition, like burial or cremation.
No. No mammal has been revived after being vitrified at cryogenic temperatures. Cryonics is based on the hope that future, as-yet-uninvented nanotechnology or medical science could achieve revival and repair.
Cryogenics is the broad branch of physics and engineering that deals with the production and effects of very low temperatures. Cryonics is the specific application of low-temperature storage to human bodies for the purpose of potential future revival.
The practice or technique of deep-freezing the bodies of people who have just died, with the speculative hope that future medical science may be able to revive them and cure the cause of death.
Cryonics is usually technical, scientific, specialised in register.
Cryonics: in British English it is pronounced /kraɪˈɒn.ɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /kraɪˈɑː.nɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRYONICS' = 'CRYO' (meaning 'icy cold') + 'NICS' (sounds like 'nick's', as in 'Nick's frozen body'). It's the high-tech, futuristic version of freezing.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS A REVERSIBLE TECHNICAL FAILURE / THE BODY IS A MACHINE THAT CAN BE SHUT DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE AND REBOOTED.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary speculative goal of cryonics?