pyrogen

noun

py·​ro·​gen ˈpī-rə-jən How to pronounce pyrogen (audio)
: a fever-producing substance

Examples of pyrogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Twenty-two participants either got a shot that included a pyrogen — an agent found in bacteria such as E. coli that causes fevers — or a placebo. Jennifer Walter, Discover Magazine, 29 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pyrogen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrogen was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near pyrogen

Cite this Entry

“Pyrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrogen. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

pyrogen

noun
py·​ro·​gen ˈpī-rə-jən How to pronounce pyrogen (audio)
: a fever-producing substance (as various thermostable products of bacterial metabolism)

More from Merriam-Webster on pyrogen

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!