hypokalemia

noun hy·po·ka·le·mia \ˌhī-pō-ˌkā-ˈlē-mē-ə\

Definition of HYPOKALEMIA

: a deficiency of potassium in the blood

— hy·po·ka·le·mic \-mik\ adjective

New Latin, from hypo- + kalium potassium (from kali alkali, from Arabic qily saltwort) + -emia

First Known Use: 1949

Medical Dictionary

noun hy·po·ka·le·mia

: a deficiency of potassium in the blood—called also hypopotassemia

—hy·po·ka·le·mic or chiefly British hy·po·ka·lae·mic \-ˈlē-mik\ adjective

hy·po·ka·le·mia or chiefly British hy·po·ka·lae·mia \-kā-ˈlē-mē-ə\

Next Word in the Dictionary: hypolimneticPrevious Word in the Dictionary: hypoischiumAll Words Near: hypokalemia

What made you want to look up hypokalemia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears