HealthJuly 14, 2026
acclimatization
/əˌklaɪmətaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definition
The physiological process by which an individual or a population adjusts to changes in its environmental climate, such as high heat, to better tolerate those conditions.
Etymology
Derived from the French 'acclimatation', combining 'ad-' (to) and 'climat' (climate). It entered English in the 19th century to describe the process of adapting to a new environment or climate.
In the news
The article uses the term to highlight that a population's ability to withstand extreme heat depends significantly on how well their bodies and local infrastructure have adapted to the prevailing climate. This capacity for adjustment serves as a critical factor in determining the health impact of heatwaves.
Heat and health
Read the full article ↗World Health Organization (WHO)