What does hypothermic mean?
Hypothermic means having an abnormally low body temperature. In humans, a core temperature below about 35°C (95°F) is generally classified as hypothermia, a condition that can result from prolonged exposure to cold, immersion in cold water, inadequate clothing, or certain medical emergencies. The word is used especially in medicine, emergency response, biology, and animal care. Hypothermia may initially produce shivering and confusion, but severe cases can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and potentially life-threatening complications. The related noun “hypothermia” names the condition itself. The adjective is particularly associated with urgent treatment, since a hypothermic person may be too confused or impaired to recognize the seriousness of their condition. Although cold is its common physical cause, hypothermia can also occur in circumstances where environmental exposure is not immediately obvious.
adjectiveHaving an abnormally low body temperature, typically a core temperature below 35°C (95°F), as may occur during prolonged exposure to cold.
- Having an abnormally low body temperature.
- Showing physiological effects associated with severe cold exposure, such as shivering, confusion, drowsiness, or loss of coordination.
"Rescue workers found the hypothermic climber and began warming him immediately."
"The hypothermic patient was treated with warm blankets and intravenous fluids."
"Fish in the laboratory may become hypothermic when the surrounding water becomes too cold."
Hypothermia can impair judgment before a person realizes they are dangerously cold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypothermic come from?
The adjective was formed from “hypothermia” with the suffix “-ic,” meaning “relating to” or “characterized by.” “Hypothermia” combines the Greek prefixes hypo-, meaning “under” or “below,” and thermos, meaning “heat,” with the noun-forming suffix -ia. Its English relatives include “thermal,” “thermometer,” and “thermostat,” all associated with the same Greek root for heat.
Related word forms
How hypothermic is actually used
Primarily a medical or scientific term. In general writing, “hypothermic” usually describes a person, animal, or organism with a dangerously low body temperature; “suffering from hypothermia” is often more immediately understandable.
Easily confused with hypothermic
Hypothermic describes an abnormally low body temperature, whereas hyperthermic describes an abnormally high one.