Definition

Having a body temperature that is lower than normal, often due to prolonged exposure to cold.

Example

After being stranded in the snow, he was found in a hypothermic state and needed immediate medical attention.

Conversation

I heard someone got hypothermic during the hike last weekend.

Really? That's scary! What happened?

They didn't realize how cold it was getting at night.

Yikes! I always check the weather before going out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypothermic → It is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "thermē" (meaning heat). The word describes a condition of having a body temperature that is below the normal level, indicating a state of reduced heat.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypo-' meaning 'under' and 'thermē' meaning 'heat' — this helps you remember that hypothermic refers to being under normal body heat.

Visually Confused Words