hipotermia

hypothermia

noun ee-poh-TEHR-myah Rare

Origin: From Greek 'hypo-' (under, below) + 'therme' (heat).

Usage Note

Hipotermia is the medical condition in which the body's core temperature drops dangerously below normal. Spanish drops the initial 'h' in pronunciation entirely (it is always silent). Do not confuse with hipertermia (hyperthermia, dangerously high body temperature) — the prefixes hipo- (under) and hiper- (over) are a common source of confusion for learners. The condition is treated with recalentamiento (rewarming).

Examples

"El excursionista sufrió hipotermia en la montaña."

Natural Translation

The hiker suffered hypothermia on the mountain.

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