Frostbite
/ˈfrɔːst.baɪt/noun
Injury to body tissues caused by extreme cold, often resulting in damage to skin and underlying tissues.
Did you know?The term 'bite' in 'frostbite' evokes the sense of a cruel, icy attack, reminiscent of how ancient cultures viewed cold as a malevolent force.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
forstbitan
“to bite or injure by frost”
Middle English
Middle English
frostbiten
“to be hurt by frost”
16th Century
English
frostbite
“the effect of extreme cold on the flesh, leading to damage”
Modern English
English
frostbite
“a term solidified into medical vocabulary for cold-induced injury”