ague

noun

ˈā-(ˌ)gyü 

1

: a fever (such as malaria) marked by paroxysms (see paroxysm sense 1) of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals

2

: a fit of shivering

aguish

ˈā-ˌgyü-ish 

adjective

Examples of ague in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now ague, biliousness, lumbago, Saint Vitus’s dance and dropsy. — Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2019

The Bolt’s +200-mile range puts it beyond the nagging agues of range anxiety. — Dan Neil, WSJ, 19 Oct. 2017

Arnaud described a patient called Louis, a French army officer who had served in Tonkin (in Vietnam) but who had been sent home suffering from 'ague' (probably malaria) and symptoms of amnesia, possibly as a result of cerebral malaria. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2016

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ague, from Medieval Latin (febris) acuta, literally, sharp fever, from Latin, feminine of acutus sharp — more at acute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ague

noun

ˈā-gyü 

1

: a fever (as malaria) marked by outbreaks of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals

2

: a fit of shivering : chill

Medical Definition

ague

noun

ˈā-(ˌ)gyü 

1

: a fever (as malaria) marked by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals

2

: a fit of shivering : chill