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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Triosteum perfoliatum

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.

    Note: 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 ( Triosteum perfoliatum); -- called also feverwort and horse gentian.

    Fever sore, a carious ulcer or necrosis.
    --Miner.