What is the term for the fear of water?

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Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ensure exam readiness!

The term for the fear of water is indeed hydrophobia. This term originates from the Greek words "hydro," meaning water, and "phobia," meaning fear. While hydrophobia specifically refers to a fear or aversion to water, it is commonly associated with severe anxiety toward water-related situations, which can stem from various factors such as a traumatic experience or an overwhelming fear of drowning.

Aquaphobia is also often used interchangeably with hydrophobia in casual contexts, but it is less formally recognized in medical terminology. Chlorophobia refers to the fear of the color green, which clearly does not pertain to water, while oceophobia specifically denotes a fear of the ocean or large bodies of water, rather than water in general. Therefore, hydrophobia is the more precise term when describing a broader fear of water.

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