hypothermia

Definition

Abnormally low body temperature below 95°F (35°C), when your internal thermostat fails and you become a human popsicle. It's the reason trauma patients get warmed blankets and why cold water drowning victims sometimes survive against odds.

Example Usage

The exposure victim's core temperature of 88°F indicated severe hypothermia requiring active rewarming measures.

Origin

From Greek 'hypo' (under) + 'therme' (heat)

Fun Fact

Moderate to severe hypothermia can actually be protective during cardiac arrest—the phrase 'they're not dead until they're warm and dead' reflects how hypothermia slows metabolism and can preserve brain function.

Source: Emergency medicine and critical care standards

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