fever
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.

94 ENTRIES FOUND:

1fe·ver

noun \ˈfē-vər\

Definition of FEVER

1
a : a rise of body temperature above the normal
b : any of various diseases of which fever is a prominent symptom
2
a : a state of heightened or intense emotion or activity
b : a contagious usually transient enthusiasm : craze

Examples of FEVER

  1. The symptoms of the disease include headache and fever.
  2. We waited in a fever of anticipation.
  3. He had us all in a fever with worry.

Origin of FEVER

Middle English, from Old English fēfer, from Latin febris
First Known Use: before 12th century

2fever

verb
fe·veredfe·ver·ing \ˈfē-vriŋ, ˈfe-vər-iŋ\

Definition of FEVER

transitive verb
: to throw into a fever : agitate
intransitive verb
: to contract or be in a fever : become feverish

First Known Use of FEVER

1606

fever

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Abnormally high body temperature or a disease characterized by it. It most often occurs with infection. Normal core body temperature, measured orally, does not exceed 99°F (37.2°C). Up to 105°F (40.6°C), fever causes weakness and is best treated with aspirin, acetaminophen, or other antipyretic drugs. At 108°F (42.2°C) or more, it can lead to convulsions and death. In treatment, it is important to know the underlying cause. Fever appears to be a defense against infectious disease, stimulating leukocytes and increasing antibody production and perhaps killing or inhibiting bacteria and viruses that live within a narrow temperature range.

Variants of FEVER

fever or pyrexia

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: fever and ague
Previous Word in the Dictionary: feus
All Words Near: fever

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up fever? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More