Meaning: "Hipotermia" refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low body temperature, typically below 35°C (95°F). It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a variety of health complications.
Usage: In the Spanish language, "hipotermia" is commonly used in medical contexts and discussions related to emergency situations involving exposure to cold environments. It is frequently used in both oral and written communications, particularly in medical texts and emergency response discussions.
Frequency of Use: It is a technical term that is more often found in written medical literature, reports, and academic texts, but it can also appear in oral discourse among medical professionals or in discussions about health safety.
Example Sentences
"La hipotermia puede ser mortal si no se trata a tiempo."
"Hypothermia can be fatal if not treated in time."
"Los alpinistas deben ser conscientes del riesgo de hipotermia en climas fríos."
"Climbers must be aware of the risk of hypothermia in cold climates."
"Los síntomas de la hipotermia incluyen confusión y letargo."
"Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion and lethargy."
Idiomatic Expressions
Although "hipotermia" is not heavily featured in idiomatic expressions, it can sometimes appear in figurative contexts relating to coldness or emotional detachment. Here are examples of expressions and sentences incorporating the concept:
"Sentir hipotermia emocional puede ser tan dañino como la hipotermia física."
"Feeling emotional hypothermia can be as damaging as physical hypothermia."
"En situaciones de estrés, algunas personas pueden experimentar una hipotermia de sus emociones."
"In stressful situations, some people may experience a hypothermia of their emotions."
"La hipotermia social en la que vivimos nos impide conectarnos verdaderamente."
"The social hypothermia in which we live prevents us from truly connecting."
"Algunos estudiantes sienten hipotermia en el aula debido a la falta de interés."
"Some students feel hypothermia in the classroom due to a lack of interest."
Etymology
The word "hipotermia" is derived from the Greek roots "hipo-" (ὑπό), meaning "under" or "less than," and "-termia" (θερμία), which comes from "thermos" (θερμός) meaning "heat." The combination essentially refers to a condition of having less heat.