rose fever

noun

, Pathology.

1. a form of hay fever caused by the inhalation of rose pollen, characterized by nasal discharge and lacrimation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rose fever¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

He described the nasal congestion that coincided with the blooming of roses, termed “rose fever.”

From Salon

The terms “rose fever” for summer allergies and “hay fever” for autumn are also both misnomers.

From Slate

Young children with an upper-respiratory-tract infection, which often includes a runny rose, fever, sore throat and a headache as well as coughing.

From Washington Post

The President's health even included freedom from his annual rose fever.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mrs. Coolidge was pictured smelling a rose which she said had no scent, but the President did not do likewise since he is subject to rose fever.

From Time Magazine Archive