heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature compare heat exhaustion, sunstroke

Examples of heatstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Japan issued heatstroke alerts in Tokyo and more than half of its prefectures as temperatures rose to record highs in early July. —Jeffrey Basara, The Conversation, 9 July 2024

Partly sunny with the temperature near the record of 94; possible danger of dehydration and heatstroke while doing strenuous activities 🏠 Housing: Where are the most expensive rental markets in the Cincinnati area? —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2024

Contact burn patients often also have heatstroke, Ferrari said. —Lane Sainty, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

According to Cornell University’s Canine Health Center, dogs begin to experience heatstroke when their internal temperature reaches 105 degrees or higher. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a condition marked especially by the stopping of sweating, a high body temperature, and exhaustion that results from exposure to high temperature for a long time compare sunstroke

Medical Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition characterized by cessation of sweating with inadequate elimination of body heat, extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, flaccid muscles, delirium, collapse, and coma and resulting from prolonged exposure to high environmental temperature which causes a dysfunction of the temperature-regulating mechanism of the body see sunstroke compare heat exhaustion