hypothermia
C1Formal/Medical/Technical
Definition
Meaning
An abnormally low body temperature, typically below 35°C (95°F), often caused by prolonged exposure to cold.
The medical condition resulting from the body losing heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low core temperature that impairs organ function.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A countable or uncountable noun primarily used in medical, scientific, and emergency contexts. Implies a dangerous, pathological state, not just feeling cold.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Associated with cold weather, accidents, and medical emergencies.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to its technical nature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
develop hypothermiadie of/from hypothermiabe treated for hypothermiasuffer from hypothermiasuccumb to hypothermiabe at risk of hypothermiaVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in risk assessments for outdoor work in cold climates.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, environmental science, and nursing texts.
Everyday
Used in weather warnings, news reports about accidents, and safety advice.
Technical
Core term in emergency medicine, wilderness first aid, and physiology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The hypothermic patient was wrapped in special blankets.
- Hypothermic conditions are forecast for the mountains.
American English
- The hypothermic hiker was rushed to the hospital.
- Rescuers train for hypothermic scenarios.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is very cold outside, you could get ill.
- If you fall into cold water, you can get hypothermia very quickly.
- The stranded climbers were showing early signs of hypothermia, such as confusion and shivering.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HYPO- (under/low) + THERM (heat) + IA (condition). A condition of low heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A FURNACE (hypothermia is the furnace failing/cooling down).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гипотермия' (the identical medical term). The main trap is using it for simply feeling cold ('зябкость', 'озноб'). In English, 'I'm cold' is not 'I have hypothermia.' Hypothermia is a severe medical diagnosis.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'feeling chilly' (e.g., *'I got hypothermia waiting for the bus').
- Misspelling: *'hypotermia', *'hipothermia'.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario most accurately describes hypothermia?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Frostbite is localized freezing and damage to body tissues (like fingers or toes). Hypothermia is a systemic drop in the body's core temperature affecting the whole body.
Yes. Hypothermia can occur in temperatures well above freezing, especially if a person is wet (from rain or sweat), fatigued, or has inadequate clothing.
The direct medical opposite is hyperthermia, which is an elevated body temperature, such as in heatstroke.
It is a well-known word, but its use is specific to contexts involving cold, danger, or medicine. It is not an everyday word for simply feeling cold.