frostbite

1 of 3

verb

frost·​bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt 

frostbit ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbit  ; frostbitten ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbi-tᵊn  ; frostbiting ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbī-tiŋ 

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

Stowaways face the risk of frostbite and even hypothermia. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

This signature round grill is seriously discounted on Amazon, and puts barbecue chicken back on the menu without the frostbite. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024

Severe frostbite can lead to long-term complications like chronic pain and nerve damage. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Prolonged exposure to extreme cold puts individuals at risk of frostbite and hypothermia, which can develop in minutes. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

frostbite

1 of 2 verb

frost·​bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt 

frostbit -ˌbit  ; frostbitten -ˌbit-ᵊn  ; frostbiting -ˌbīt-iŋ 

: 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 

frostbit -ˌbit  ; frostbitten -ˌbit-ᵊn  ; frostbiting -ˌbīt-iŋ 

: 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