febrifuge

[ feb-ruh-fyooj ]

adjective

1. serving to dispel or reduce fever, as a medicine.

noun

1. such a medicine or agent.
2. a cooling drink.

febrifuge

/ fɪˈbrɪfjʊɡəl; ˈfɛbrɪˌfjuːdʒ; ˌfɛbrɪˈfjuːɡəl /

noun

1. any drug or agent for reducing fever

adjective

1. serving to reduce fever

Derived Forms

• febrifugal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of febrifuge¹

1680–90; < French < Late Latin febrifugia plant good for curing fever. See febri-, -fuge

Word History and Origins

Origin of febrifuge¹

C17: from Medieval Latin febrifugia feverfew; see febri- , -fuge

Example Sentences

Said by M. Thoriel to possess considerable power as a febrifuge.

From Project Gutenberg

These compounds had a very surprising febrifuge action, without any unpleasant after effects or local disturbances.

From Project Gutenberg

And in order to cure it,” said Spilett to Cyrus Harding, “we need a febrifuge.

From Project Gutenberg

If before to-morrow morning we have not given him a more energetic febrifuge,” said the reporter, “Herbert will be dead.

From Project Gutenberg

The water in which it was dipped operated as a styptic, as a febrifuge, and possessed other properties as a medical talisman.

From Project Gutenberg