pyrogen

[ pahy-ruh-juhn, -jen ]

noun

1. a substance, as a thermostable bacterial toxin, that produces a rise in temperature in a human or animal.

pyrogen

/ ˈpaɪrəʊˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. any of a group of substances that cause a rise in temperature in an animal body

pyrogen

/ pī′rə-jən /

1. A polypeptide that produces fever by causing metabolic changes in the hypothalamus. Pyrogens are either exogenous (produced by infectious agents) or endogenous (produced by cells in the body such as macrophages).

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrogen¹

First recorded in 1855–60; pyro- + -gen

Example Sentences

The bank released a statement on Monday saying: “Gas pyrogens intended to extinguish fires opened and kept oxygen out resulting in injuries and death”.

From The Guardian

"Gas pyrogens intended to extinguish fires opened and kept oxygen out resulting in injuries and death," the bank said.

From Reuters