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 TCM is discharged and charged through hydration and dehydration reactions, respectively.

From Science Daily

Since Tuesday, 17 children had arrived at the emergency room showing signs of malnutrition and an elderly man had died due to severe dehydration, he added.

From BBC

As for the journey, he says he could have died from dehydration had he not been found by a police patrol.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• dispersal
• melting