fever Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
febricity; feverishness; febrility; pyrexia.
noun intense nervous anticipation
- in a fever of resentment

OE. fever, fefer, AS. fefer, fefor, L. febris: cf. F. fièvre. Cf. Febrile.

(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. ✍ Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals; intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at intervals; continued or continual fevers neither remit nor intermit.
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.
An envious fever Of pale and bloodless emulation. Shak.

After life's fitful fever he sleeps well. Shak.

imperfect & past participle Fevered ; present participle & verbal noun Fevering

To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as, a fevered lip. R.
The white hand of a lady fever thee. Shak.