What does hypothermia mean?
Hypothermia is the medical term for a dangerously low body temperature, generally below 35°C (95°F). It can develop when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, especially in cold, wet, or windy conditions. Early symptoms include shivering, numbness, and confusion; as the condition worsens, a person may become uncoordinated, unresponsive, and ultimately lose consciousness. Hypothermia is a medical emergency in its severe form and requires prompt warming and professional care. The word is also used figuratively to describe social, economic, or political conditions in which people are left without adequate shelter, care, support, or protection. Its Greek-derived structure clearly signals its meaning: “hypo-” indicates below or under, while “thermia” refers to heat. Understanding the condition is important because continued exposure to cold can progress from discomfort to life-threatening impairment relatively quickly.
nounA potentially dangerous condition in which the body’s core temperature falls below 35°C (95°F). It can cause confusion, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and, in severe cases, death.
- A medical condition involving a dangerously low core body temperature, usually below 35°C (95°F), that can impair physical and mental function.
"The hiker was treated for hypothermia after spending the night in freezing temperatures."
"Her clothes were soaked, and the rescue team suspected hypothermia."
"The expedition leader warned that hypothermia could develop quickly if the group became wet and exposed to strong winds."
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly when referring to separate cases of the condition.
"The medical team had treated several hypothermias during the unusually cold winter."
The body can lose heat far faster than it can generate it, turning a dangerously cold environment into a medical emergency.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypothermia come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from Greek roots meaning “below” and “heat.” The combining form “thermia” comes from Greek thermē, “heat,” and ultimately relates to the same root found in words such as thermometer and thermal. The prefix “hypo-” comes from Greek hypó, meaning “under” or “below.” In medical usage, the term developed alongside the contrasting expression hyperthermia, meaning abnormally high body temperature.
Related word forms
How hypothermia is actually used
Primarily a medical and safety term. Mild cases involve shivering and cold hands and feet, while severe cases may produce confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and unconsciousness. The term is also used figuratively in discussions of social, economic, or political conditions characterized by dangerous neglect or deprivation of warmth, support, or basic resources.
Easily confused with hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature, whereas hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature.
Hypothermia results from excessive heat loss, while heatstroke results from the body overheating, often because it cannot cool itself effectively.