l’insolation
heatstroke
Definition & meaning
Insolation is a feminine French noun: une insolation.
It has two main meanings:
-
Sunstroke or heatstroke caused by prolonged exposure to the sun
It refers to a medical condition involving excessive heat, often with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion.- Il a été victime d’une insolation. — “He suffered sunstroke.”
-
Exposure to sunlight or the amount of solar radiation received
This technical meaning is used in climatology, geography, and architecture.- Cette région bénéficie d’une forte insolation. — “This region receives a great deal of sunlight.”
In everyday French, the medical meaning is especially common.
Grammar & Word origin
- Gender: feminine
- Singular: une insolation
- Plural: des insolations
- Pronunciation: approximately in-so-la-syon
The word comes from Latin insolatio, derived from sol, meaning “sun.” It is related to the French word {soleil} , meaning “sun.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Medical meaning
- {coup de chaleur} — “heatstroke” or “heat exhaustion.” This is broader than {insolation} , because it can be caused by excessive heat even without direct exposure to the sun.
- {hyperthermie} — “hyperthermia,” a medical term describing an abnormally high body temperature. It is a physiological condition rather than a direct synonym in all contexts.
There is no exact everyday antonym. Depending on the context, {refroidissement} (“cooling”) or {protection solaire} (“sun protection”) may describe measures that prevent or counteract an {insolation} .
Solar-exposure meaning
- {ensoleillement} — “sunshine” or “sun exposure.” This is generally the more common word for the amount of sunshine in ordinary language.
- {irradiation solaire} — “solar irradiation,” a more technical term referring to solar radiation received by a surface.
Possible contrasting expressions include {ombre} (“shade”) and {absence d’ensoleillement} (“lack of sunlight”), although neither is a strict antonym.
Common phrases & collocations
- {être victime d’une insolation} — to suffer sunstroke
- {attraper une insolation} — to get sunstroke
- {soigner une insolation} — to treat sunstroke
- {éviter une insolation} — to avoid sunstroke
- {forte insolation} — strong solar exposure or intense sunshine
- {zone à forte insolation} — area with high solar exposure
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Examples
L’insolation peut causer de graves maux de tête.noun
Heatstroke can cause severe headaches.
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