hyperpyrexia

[ hahy-per-pahy-rek-see-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormally high fever.

hyperpyrexia

/ ˌhaɪpəpaɪˈrɛtɪk; ˌhaɪpəpaɪˈrɛksɪə /

noun

1. pathol an extremely high fever, with a temperature of 41°C (106°F) or above Also calledhyperthermiahyperthermy

Derived Forms

• hyperpyretic, adjective

Other Words From

• hy·per·py·ret·ic [hahy-per-pahy-, ret, -ik], hyper·py·rexi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperpyrexia¹

First recorded in 1865–70; hyper- + pyrexia

Example Sentences

I went into what is known as hyperpyrexia, an extreme elevation in core body temperature.

From The Guardian

With a temperature often rising above 90° F. at midday, and sometimes for several days at a time never falling below 80°, all radiation of heat from the surface of the body is arrested, and death frequently occurs as the result of hyperpyrexia.

From Project Gutenberg

The comparatively slight mortality of typhoid fever among children is probably due to the fact that the temperature is less often continuously high in them than in adults, and that while hyperpyrexia is frequently present, it is generally better borne and less likely to produce paralysis of the heart.

From Project Gutenberg

They probably act, therefore, by diminishing the metamorphosis of the tissues, and the consequent loading of the blood with excrementitious products which the hyperpyrexia has a tendency to promote.

From Project Gutenberg

Although fully willing to admit the good effects of the cold bath in many cases, having been, of course, myself a witness of them, I am indisposed to have recourse to it except in cases of hyperpyrexia of such intensity that death seems imminent and only to be averted by energetic treatment, or in cases in which other antipyretic remedies have failed to reduce the temperature; and for the following reasons: 1.

From Project Gutenberg