Fe″ver (?), n. [OE. fever, fefer, AS. fefer, fefor, L. febris: cf. F. fièvre. 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.
☞ Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals; intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at intervals; continued or continual fevers neither remit nor intermit.
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.
An envious fever
Of pale and bloodless emulation. Shak.
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well. Shak.
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 (T. perfoliatum); — called also feverwort and horse gentian. — Fever sore, a carious ulcer or necrosis. Miner.