Afterdrops

/ˈæftərdrɒps/ noun

Definition

The dangerous process where a person's core body temperature continues to drop after they've been removed from cold water or conditions.

Etymology

From 'after' plus 'drops' (from Old English dropa). Modern medical terminology from the 20th century when hypothermia research identified this paradoxical phenomenon.

Kelly Says

Afterdrops kill people who survive the initial cold—once rescued from freezing water, their core temperature can plummet another 1-2 degrees, making rescue workers the accidental final danger.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.