frostbite

1 of 3

verb

frost·​bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt How to pronounce frostbite (audio)

transitive verb

: to affect or injure by frost or frostbite

frostbite

2 of 3

noun

: the superficial or deep freezing of the tissues of some part of the body (such as the feet or hands)
also : the damage to tissues caused by freezing compare frostnip

frostbite

3 of 3

adjective

: done in cold weather
frostbite sailing
also : of or relating to cold-weather sailing
frostbite sailors

Examples of frostbite in a Sentence

Noun He wore gloves to prevent frostbite.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
As was our car on the drive back — despite the probable frostbite in our hands (and paws). Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Beyond coats, winter wear such as boots are beneficial in protecting paws from frostbite or injuries from chemical de-icers, Klein added. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 24 Feb. 2024 Be aware of the symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia. Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 There are not many effective treatments for severe frostbite. Mira Cheng, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024 Referencing testimony from medical experts, bill sponsors cast the measure as a common-sense way to prevent people who are homeless from being exposed to dangerous conditions that could increase the likelihood of frostbite or hypothermia. Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2024 Doctors began treating the boy for frostbite in his right foot and surgery was scheduled for Jan. 24, with a worse-case scenario of a leg amputation. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 1 Feb. 2024 The most common sites for frostbite in dogs are their ears and the tips of their tails. Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024 Many districts were waiting for blistering temperatures, which could cause frostbite, to rise. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frostbite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1798, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frostbite was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near frostbite

Cite this Entry

“Frostbite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frostbite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

frostbite

1 of 2 verb
frost·​bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt How to pronounce frostbite (audio)
frostbit -ˌbit How to pronounce frostbite (audio) ; frostbitten -ˌbit-ᵊn How to pronounce frostbite (audio) ; frostbiting -ˌbīt-iŋ How to pronounce frostbite (audio)
: to injure by frost or frostbite

frostbite

2 of 2 noun
: the freezing of a surface or deeper layer of tissues of some part of the body (as the feet or hands)

Medical Definition

frostbite

1 of 2 transitive verb
frost·​bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt How to pronounce frostbite (audio)
frostbit -ˌbit How to pronounce frostbite (audio) ; frostbitten -ˌbit-ᵊn How to pronounce frostbite (audio) ; frostbiting -ˌbīt-iŋ How to pronounce frostbite (audio)
: to affect or injure by frost or frostbite

frostbite

2 of 2 noun
: the superficial or deep freezing of the tissues of some part of the body (as the feet or hands)
also : the damage to tissues caused by freezing

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