hypoxia

noun

hyp·​ox·​ia hi-ˈpäk-sē-ə How to pronounce hypoxia (audio) hī- How to pronounce hypoxia (audio)
: a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body

Examples of hypoxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The method of nitrogen hypoxia requires prisoners to breathe in the gas through an industrial-grade mask while strapped to a gurney and being deprived of oxygen. — Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 12 June 2026 This depth has been shown in research to optimize moisture retention while still allowing air movement in the root zone, preventing the risk of hypoxia or root suffocation. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026 Eventually, hypoxia would set in, causing damage to brain cells within minutes, permanent brain damage between four and six minutes, and finally major organ failure and death. — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026 Airplanes flying at high altitudes must maintain pressurized cabins because air pressure outside the aircraft drops with altitude, making normal breathing difficult and increasing the risk of hypoxia. — Divya Dubey, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypoxia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypoxia was in 1941

Rhymes for hypoxia

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Browse Nearby Words

hypoxemic
hypoxia
hypoxic
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Cite this Entry

“Hypoxia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypoxia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hypoxia

noun
hyp·​ox·​ia hip-ˈäk-sē-ə How to pronounce hypoxia (audio) hī-ˈpäk- How to pronounce hypoxia (audio)
: a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body
Mountain sickness is caused primarily by a lack of oxygen, or hypoxia. Atmospheric pressure decreases as one moves away from sea level, and because the percentage of oxygen in air remains constant, the concentration of oxygen is decreased. Lower levels of oxygen initiate a series of potentially fatal physiological changes.—Charles S. Houston, Scientific American

More from Merriam-Webster on hypoxia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypoxia

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