from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fever \Fe"ver\ (f[=e]"v[~e]r), n. [OE. fever, fefer, AS. fefer,
fefor, L. febris: cf. F. fi[`e]vre. Cf. {Febrile}.]
1. (Med.) A diseased state of the system, marked by increased
heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement
of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of
appetite. Many diseases, of which fever is the most
prominent symptom, are denominated fevers; as, typhoid
fever; yellow fever.
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Note: Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals;
intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at
intervals; continued or continual fevers neither remit
nor intermit.
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2. Excessive excitement of the passions in consequence of
strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as, this
quarrel has set my blood in a fever.
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An envious fever
Of pale and bloodless emulation. --Shak.
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After life's fitful fever he sleeps well. --Shak.
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{Brain fever}, {Continued fever}, etc. See under {Brain},
{Continued}, etc.
{Fever and ague}, a form of fever recurring in paroxysms
which are preceded by chills. It is of malarial origin.
{Fever blister} (Med.), a blister or vesicle often found
about the mouth in febrile states; a variety of herpes.
{Fever bush} (Bot.), the wild allspice or spice bush. See
{Spicewood}.
{Fever powder}. Same as {Jame's powder}.
{Fever root} (Bot.), an American herb of the genus
{Triosteum} ({Triosteum perfoliatum}); -- called also
{feverwort} and {horse gentian}.
{Fever sore}, a carious ulcer or necrosis. --Miner.
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