trench fever

noun

, Pathology.

1. a recurrent fever, often suffered by soldiers in trenches in World War I, caused by a rickettsia transmitted by the body louse.

trench fever

noun

1. an acute infectious disease characterized by fever and muscular aches and pains, caused by the microorganism Rickettsia quintana and transmitted by the bite of a body louse

Word History and Origins

Origin of trench fever¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Two new diseases have been produced by the World War,—spotted typhus and trench fever; both are carried by vermin.

From Project Gutenberg

We're immensely merry—all except the trench-fever case who has conceived an immense sorrow for himself.

From Project Gutenberg

In my ambulance there are two leg-cases with most theatrical bandages, and one case of trench-fever.

From Project Gutenberg

Of what actually occurred I know little, for I was laid low in my hut with a bout of trench fever.

From Project Gutenberg

Late in the summer I accumulated a nice little case of trench fever.

From Project Gutenberg