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

I watched by his side until a regimental doctor—sent from the 14th, as we have none of our own—came by with febrifuge.

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg

It is a tonic, antiperiodic, and febrifuge, and is used in medicine as a substitute for quinine.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a powerful febrifuge, and he instructed me to give a dose to the sick men below, and to any others who should feel in any way indisposed.

From Project Gutenberg

Recent experiments tend to show that it is possessed of powerful febrifuge virtues.

From Project Gutenberg