French word

insolation

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃solasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsunstroke

Example

Il a eu une insolation après être resté trop longtemps au soleil.

He got sunstroke after staying in the sun too long.

Illustration for insolation (sunstroke)

More examples

Les ouvriers risquent l'insolation lorsqu'ils travaillent sans chapeau.

Workers risk sunstroke when they work without a hat.

Core concept

Too much direct sunlight leaves a person dizzy, headachy, and sometimes sick to the stomach.

Common phrases

  • protection contre l'insolation

    protection against sunstroke

  • éviter l'insolation

    avoid sunstroke

Similar words

coup de chaleur: A dangerous rise in body temperature causing severe fatigue and confusion.
coup de soleil: Skin redness, stinging, and pain caused by exposure to sunlight.
déshydratation: A lack of body fluids causing light-headedness and severe fatigue.

Definition in French

État de malaise dû à une surexposition au soleil, provoquant vertiges, maux de tête et parfois vomissements.

Word origin

The noun insolation was formed from French insoler, meaning 'to expose to sunlight,' plus the noun-forming suffix -ation.

Usage tips

  • English insolation usually refers to incoming solar radiation, while French insolation denotes a sun-related medical condition.

Other meanings

  • heatstrokenoun
  • sunshinenoun

Related words

  • insolerexpose to sunlightverb
  • insoléexposed to sunlightadjective

Word lists with this word