Frostbite

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Frostbite

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FROST-byt  /ˈfrɒstbaɪt/

Definition

As a noun: injury to body tissues caused by extreme cold, characterised by numbness, blistering, and in severe cases tissue death. As a verb: to affect with frostbite.

Plain meaning

Frostbite is the freezing damage that extreme cold causes to body tissue — fingers, toes, nose, and ears are most at risk. Severe frostbite can require amputation.

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Medical and technical in clinical contexts. Neutral and vivid in outdoor, military, and adventure contexts.