HealthAugust 23, 2026

hypotension

HY-poh-TEN-shun

Definition

A medical condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'hypo' (under) and the Latin 'tensio' (stretching or tension), the term entered English medical terminology to describe a state of reduced pressure within the circulatory system.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a dangerous potential side effect, such as a drop in blood pressure, that could occur if a firefighter receives a contaminated glutathione injection.

Officials warn wildland firefighters about the risks of using a supplement for smoke exposure

Read the full article ↗

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.