dehydration

[ dee-hahy-drey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of dehydrating.
2. an abnormal loss of water from the body, especially from illness or physical exertion.

dehydration

/ dē′hī-drā′shən /

1. The process of losing or removing water or moisture.
2. A condition caused by the excessive loss of water from the body, which causes a rise in blood sodium levels. Since dehydration is most often caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, water loss is usually accompanied by a deficiency of electrolytes. If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dehydration¹

First recorded in 1850–55; dehydrate + -ion

Example Sentences

The miners experienced "starvation and dehydration" and were forced to resurface, police say.

From BBC

The result is often starvation, dehydration and death.

From Los Angeles Times

"We've seen the effects of their starvation campaign, with high mortality rates - people are dying, not just from hunger, but from dehydration and disease, which often follows," he said.

From BBC

He has set up 29 drinking fountains on his land so fewer migrants will die of dehydration.

From Los Angeles Times

At night, surrounded by dark waters, people often become delirious, overwhelmed by panic and dehydration.

From BBC

Related Words

• dispersal
• melting