hyperpyrexia

American  

[hahy-per-pahy-rek-see-uh] / ˌhaɪ pər paɪˈrɛk si ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. an abnormally high fever.

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hyperpyrexia British  

/ ˌhaɪpəpaɪˈrɛtɪk, ˌhaɪpəpaɪˈrɛksɪə /

noun

1. Also called: hyperthermia.   hyperthermy.  pathol an extremely high fever, with a temperature of 41°C (106°F) or above

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Other Word Forms

• hyperpyretic adjective
• hyperpyrexial adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyperpyrexia

First recorded in 1865–70; hyper- + pyrexia

Example Sentences

Young children only are in danger of death from convulsions or a rapid tissue-degeneration due to hyperpyrexia.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

They probably act, therefore, by diminishing the metamorphosis of the tissues, and the consequent loading of the blood with excrementitious products which the hyperpyrexia has a tendency to promote.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Imperfect reaction from a chill, long persistent hyperpyrexia, diarrhoea or vomiting, or chronic paludal cachexia, or, it may be, some epidemic influence, may produce it.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

The important pathological condition to be combated is the hyperpyrexia, and not the cold stage, as in intermittents.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

I believe that it has also been fashionable in the so called cases of hyperpyrexia to immerse the patient in a bath varying in temperature from 60° to 98° Fahr.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 299, September 24, 1881 by Various