frostbite

word

Definition

A serious injury to your skin and underlying tissues caused by being exposed to very cold temperatures for too long. It typically affects fingers, toes, nose, and ears.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in medical or cold weather contexts; not informal. Often mentioned with body parts ('frostbite on his toes'). Not the same as 'hypothermia', which involves the whole body cooling down.

Example Sentences

The hiker got frostbite on his fingers.

basic

Frostbite can happen if you stay outside too long in very cold weather.

basic

His toes showed signs of frostbite after the snowstorm.

basic

Make sure to wear warm gloves, or you could get frostbite in this weather.

natural

When he came back from the mountains, the doctor checked him for frostbite.

natural

I can't feel my ears—am I getting frostbite?

natural