antipyretic

American  

[an-tee-pahy-ret-ik, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti paɪˈrɛt ɪk, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. checking or preventing fever.

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noun

1. an antipyretic agent.

antipyretic British  

/ ˌæntɪpaɪˈriːsɪs, ˌæntɪpaɪˈrɛtɪk /

adjective

1. preventing or alleviating fever

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noun

1. an antipyretic remedy or drug

Other Word Forms

• antipyresis noun

Etymology

Origin of antipyretic

First recorded in 1675–85; anti- + pyretic

Explanation

Anything described as antipyretic works against a fever. When someone is seriously ill, antipyretic medicine could save his life. Antipyretic medicines are effective against fever. Aspirin is antipyretic. With a small fever, you might not need anything antipyretic, but if you fever rises much above 100, it can be very dangerous. Besides antipyretic medicine, there are antipyretic measures you can take such as holding a cold, wet rag to a patient's forehead. Since the Greek prefix anti- means "against" and pyr means "fire," it only makes sense that anything antipyretic works against the fire of a fever.

Example Sentences

Fever is often treated with antipyretic medications, including ibuprofen and aspirin.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2025

During the 10th round, Vuppala misspelled “phenocoll”: an antipyretic and analgesic drug.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2022

During the 10th round, Saharsh Kesav Vuppala misspelled “phenocoll”: an antipyretic and analgesic drug.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2022

Subsequently, the company became known solely as Sandoz and began making pharmaceuticals, the analgesic and antipyretic antipyrine being its first major product of this type.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2013

As a tonic and antipyretic it is certainly worthy of recommendation.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers