Hypoxia: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypoxia

 

[ hʌɪˈpɒksɪə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Hypoxia refers to a condition in which there is a decrease in the oxygen supply to the body's tissues. It can result from various factors such as high altitudes, lung diseases, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Hypoxia can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, and even organ damage.

Synonyms

low oxygen levels, oxygen deficiency, oxygen deprivation.

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Word Description / Examples
hypoxia

This term is used in medical and scientific contexts to describe a state in which there is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

  • The patient was diagnosed with hypoxia due to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Researchers are studying the effects of hypoxia on brain function.
oxygen deprivation

This term is often used to describe severe or complete lack of oxygen, usually in critical conditions or emergencies. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The diver suffered oxygen deprivation after being trapped underwater for too long.
  • Oxygen deprivation can cause permanent damage to the brain if not treated promptly.
low oxygen levels

This phrase is used in everyday language to describe situations where the amount of oxygen in the environment is lower than usual.

  • Hikers at high altitudes often experience low oxygen levels, leading to altitude sickness.
  • Due to poor ventilation, the room had low oxygen levels, making it hard to breathe.
oxygen deficiency

This term is used when referring broadly to any lack of oxygen, often in a medical or environmental context.

  • Oxygen deficiency in newborns can lead to severe developmental issues.
  • The fish died because of oxygen deficiency in the polluted river.

Examples of usage

  • Severe hypoxia at high altitudes can cause altitude sickness.
  • Hypoxia due to carbon monoxide exposure can be life-threatening.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypoxia" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipóxia

🇮🇳 हाइपोक्सिया

🇩🇪 Hypoxie

🇮🇩 hipoksia

🇺🇦 гіпоксія

🇵🇱 hipoksja

🇯🇵 低酸素症 (teisansoshō)

🇫🇷 hypoxie

🇪🇸 hipoxia

🇹🇷 hipoksi

🇰🇷 저산소증 (jeosansojeung)

🇸🇦 نقص الأكسجة (naqs al'uksaja)

🇨🇿 hypoxie

🇸🇰 hypoxia

🇨🇳 低氧症 (dī yǎng zhèng)

🇸🇮 hipoksija

🇮🇸 súrefnisskortur

🇰🇿 гипоксия

🇬🇪 ჰიპოქსია (hip'oqs'ia)

🇦🇿 hipoksiya

🇲🇽 hipoxia

Etymology

The term 'hypoxia' originates from the Greek words 'hypo' meaning 'below' and 'oxia' meaning 'oxygen'. It was first used in the medical field in the early 20th century to describe the condition of insufficient oxygen supply to tissues. The study of hypoxia has since become crucial in various medical disciplines, including emergency medicine, diving medicine, and aviation medicine.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,030, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.