frostbite
1 of 3verb
frost·bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt 
frostbit ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbit ; frostbitten ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbi-tᵊn ; frostbiting ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbī-tiŋ
; frostbitten ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbi-tᵊn ; frostbiting ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbī-tiŋ transitive verb
: to affect or injure by frost or frostbite
frostbite
2 of 3noun
: the superficial or deep freezing of the tissues of some part of the body (such as the feet or hands)
also : the damage to tissues caused by freezing compare frostnip
frostbite
3 of 3adjective
: done in cold weather
frostbite sailing
also : of or relating to cold-weather sailing
frostbite sailors
Example Sentences
Noun He wore gloves to prevent frostbite.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 More severe frostbite will require medical attention and can lead to life-threatening complications. Chris Smith, BGR, 21 Feb. 2022 In early February, after a cold streak, Crofton had his feet amputated just above the ankles because of frostbite. Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2022 The Pentagon had even seen indications that some Russian troops had been evacuated because of frostbite, the official said. New York Times, 22 Mar. 2022 The captain of an expedition cannot exactly control whether someone returns from their scout with frostbite. Ethan Kuperberg, The New Yorker, 12 Feb. 2022 These have not proven beneficial effects and may compound tissue damage through burns or frostbite. Miles Blumhardt, USA TODAY, 17 July 2022 Oleksandr once got frostbite on his cheek while waiting in line. Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 20 June 2022 Memory, the Crawfords’ fourth child, once suffered mild frostbite on the Wonderland Trail. Outside Online, 13 June 2022 See More
Noun
Locals will risk frostbite to celebrate with strangers. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 More severe frostbite will require medical attention and can lead to life-threatening complications. Chris Smith, BGR, 21 Feb. 2022 In early February, after a cold streak, Crofton had his feet amputated just above the ankles because of frostbite. Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2022 The Pentagon had even seen indications that some Russian troops had been evacuated because of frostbite, the official said. New York Times, 22 Mar. 2022 The captain of an expedition cannot exactly control whether someone returns from their scout with frostbite. Ethan Kuperberg, The New Yorker, 12 Feb. 2022 These have not proven beneficial effects and may compound tissue damage through burns or frostbite. Miles Blumhardt, USA TODAY, 17 July 2022 Oleksandr once got frostbite on his cheek while waiting in line. Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 20 June 2022 Memory, the Crawfords’ fourth child, once suffered mild frostbite on the Wonderland Trail. Outside Online, 13 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Verb
1574, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1798, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1941, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
frostbite
noun
frost·bite ˈfrȯst-ˌbīt
: slight freezing of a part of the body (as the feet or hands) or the damage to body tissues caused by such freezing
Medical Definition
frostbite 1 of 2
transitive verb
frost·bite ˈfrȯs(t)-ˌbīt
frostbit -ˌbit ; frostbitten -ˌbit-ᵊn ; frostbiting -ˌbīt-iŋ
; frostbitten -ˌbit-ᵊn ; frostbiting -ˌbīt-iŋ : to affect or injure by frost or frostbite
frostbite
2 of 2noun
: the superficial or deep freezing of the tissues of some part of the body (as the feet or hands)
also : the damage to tissues caused by freezing