Meaning of hydrocution | Babel Free

Definitions

The situation where blood vessels dilated by the heat contract suddenly, when cold water is applied to the skin, leading to cardiac arrest.

uncountable

Examples

“Although most swimming accidents occur because of insufficient swimming skills, many are caused by "hydrocution" or "thermodifferential shock."”

“French firemen warned people to enter the water gradually to accustom the body to temperature changes or risk hydrocution in which blood vessels dilated by the heat contract suddenly, raising the risk of cardiac arrest.”

CEFR level