immersion foot

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormal condition of the foot caused by prolonged exposure to water, characterized by pathological changes in the skin, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of immersion foot¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Of these men, not one had to drop out because of immersion foot; only six of them developed it, and theirs were mild cases.

From Time Magazine Archive

Today's trench foot has different sources: > Doctors call it immersion foot when a seaman's feet are bloated after long chilling in the sea water shipped by an open lifeboat.

From Time Magazine Archive