Heat-intolerant

Heat-intolerant describes the condition of being unable to withstand or function well in high temperatures. This can apply to living organisms, materials, or systems. It signifies a susceptibility to adverse effects, ranging from discomfort and reduced performance to structural damage or even death, when exposed to excessive heat. The degree of intolerance can vary widely, with some entities showing only minor functional degradation while others experience catastrophic failure. Understanding heat intolerance is crucial in fields like biology, material science, and engineering to predict behavior, design appropriate protective measures, and ensure optimal performance under varying thermal conditions.

Heat-intolerant meaning with examples

• The elderly couple, being heat-intolerant, preferred to stay indoors during the summer afternoons, relying on air conditioning to maintain a comfortable and safe environment to prevent heat stroke. They were cautious about outside activity.
• Certain dog breeds, like bulldogs and pugs, are heat-intolerant and require extra care during hot weather. Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy makes it difficult to regulate body temperature, necessitating shade and cool water.
• The delicate electronics in the server room were heat-intolerant. They needed an effective cooling system, as the processor would shut down and cause system crashes if the temperature rose beyond a specific threshold; a constant battle was waged.
• Many fabrics used for protective clothing, particularly those used in fire safety, were found to be heat-intolerant and quickly failed when exposed to direct flames and excessive heat. This limited its function.
• People with certain medical conditions, like multiple sclerosis or specific types of heart failure, can be heat-intolerant and experience worsening symptoms in hot environments. The heat worsened the symptoms, and caused more harm.