dehydration

[ dee-hahy-drey-shuh n ]
/ ˌdi haɪˈdreɪ ʃən /

noun

the act or process of dehydrating.
an abnormal loss of water from the body, especially from illness or physical exertion.

Origin of dehydration

First recorded in 1850–55; dehydrate + -ion

Example sentences from the Web for dehydration

Medical definitions for dehydration

dehydration
[ dē′hī-drāshən ]

n.

Excessive loss of water from the body or from an organ or a body part, as occurs during illness or fluid deprivation.
The process of removing water from a substance or compound.

Scientific definitions for dehydration

dehydration
[ dē′hī-drāshən ]

The process of losing or removing water or moisture.
A condition caused by the excessive loss of water from the body, which causes a rise in blood sodium levels. Since dehydration is most often caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, water loss is usually accompanied by a deficiency of electrolytes. If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock.

Cultural definitions for dehydration

dehydration

The removal of water; in chemistry, the loss of two hydrogen atoms for every oxygen atom (see H2O).