of a disease
: marked by alternating periods of abatement and increase of symptoms
remittent fever

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin remittent-, remittens, present participle of remittere "to send back, release, relax, abate" — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of remittent was in 1693

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remittent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remittent. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

remittent

adjective
: marked by alternating periods of abatement and increase of symptoms
remittent fever
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