frostbite

American  

[frawst-bahyt, frost-] / ˈfrɔstˌbaɪt, ˈfrɒst- /

noun

1. injury to any part of the body after excessive exposure to extreme cold, sometimes progressing from initial redness and tingling to gangrene.

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verb (used with object)

frostbit, frostbitten, frostbiting

1. to injure by frost or extreme cold.

frostbite British  

/ ˈfrɒstˌbaɪt /

noun

1. destruction of tissues, esp those of the fingers, ears, toes, and nose, by freezing, characterized by tingling, blister formation, and gangrene

2. a type of small sailing dinghy

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frostbite Scientific  

/ frôst′bīt′ /

1. Damage to a part of the body as a result of exposure to freezing temperatures. It is caused by a loss of blood supply and the formation of ice crystals in the affected body part.

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Etymology

Origin of frostbite

First recorded in 1605–15; frost + bite

Example Sentences

Minchin added: "Turns out we were right to stop. We both have frostbite and are being looked after incredibly well looked after. At the moment we remain in good spirits."

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Hypothermia and frostbite on limbs are common, said Nastya, a paramedic with the Da Vinci Wolves brigade.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Touching the camera’s metal body could cause frostbite, forcing her to use a stabilizing cushion to separate the camera from her body at all times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

I watched a medic spray a man with saline solution, while another medic treated a man with frostbite, at tables that would normally be set for lunch.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

The six House lavatories, none with doors, were situated in an unheated outhouse and on a cold day in winter you could get frostbite out there if you stayed too long.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

• chill
• snow