How Do You Spell HEATSTROKE?

Pronunciation: [hˈiːtstɹə͡ʊk] (IPA)

Heatstroke is a condition that occurs when the body overheats, often as a result of prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions. The spelling of the word "heatstroke" can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with the first syllable pronounced as "hiːt" (with a long "e" sound), the second syllable as "strəʊk" (pronounced with a long "o" sound and a silent "e"), and a stress on the second syllable. Correct spelling of medical terms such as heatstroke is crucial for clear communication and understanding within the healthcare industry.

HEATSTROKE Meaning and Definition

1. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that results from the body's failure to regulate its core temperature, leading to a dangerously high body temperature. It occurs when a person's core temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) due to prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures, particularly in hot and humid conditions. Heatstroke often happens when the body's cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed and unable to dissipate the excess heat accumulated within the body.

   The main symptoms of heatstroke include a high body temperature, typically above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, along with altered mental state or behavior, such as confusion, agitation, or disorientation. Other signs may include hot, dry skin with absence of sweating, a rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, and potentially loss of consciousness or seizures. Heatstroke can be life-threatening if not promptly treated as it can cause damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

   Immediate first aid for heatstroke involves cooling the person rapidly by moving them to a cool environment, removing excessive clothing, and applying cool water or ice packs to the body. Medical attention should be sought immediately, as heatstroke requires emergency medical treatment. Prompt and appropriate management of heatstroke is essential to prevent complications and potentially fatal outcomes, and it may involve intravenous fluids, medications, and monitoring of vital signs and organ function.

2. A condition produced by exposure to an excessively high temperature, either atmospheric or artificial. The symptoms of a mild attack are headache, vertigo, sometimes slight delirium, and a temperature of 101° to 102°. In severe cases there is marked prostration with high fever, rapid pulse, sighing or stertorous respiration, hot and dry skin, and unconsciousness. In the form due to exposure to the direct rays of the sun there may be absence of fever or even a subnormal temperature.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HEATSTROKE

• hertstrike
• Heatstrock
• Hetstrock

Etymology of HEATSTROKE

The word "heatstroke" is derived from the combination of two words: "heat" and "stroke".

The word "heat" originated from the Old English word "hǣtu", which came from the West Germanic word "haitī" meaning "heat and also passion".

The word "stroke" has Old English origins as well, derived from the word "stracian", which means "to move quickly or strike". This word later evolved into "strēocan", meaning "to strike" or "to beat".

When combined, "heatstroke" refers to a condition where the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Similar spelling words for HEATSTROKE

• headstone,
• headstrong,
• Hedstrom,
• headstock.