hyperthermia

American  

[hahy-per-thur-mee-uh] / ˌhaɪ pərˈθɜr mi ə /

Also hyperthermy

noun

1. Pathology. abnormally high fever.

2. Medicine/Medical. treatment of disease by the induction of fever, as by the injection of foreign protein or the application of heat.

---

hyperthermia British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːmɪ, ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːmɪə /

noun

1. pathol variants of hyperpyrexia

---

hyperthermia Scientific  

/ hī′pər-thûr′mē-ə /

1. An abnormally high body temperature, usually resulting from infection, certain drugs and medications, or head injury. Hyperthermia is sometimes created intentionally to treat diseases, especially some cancers.

2. Compare hypothermia

---

Other Word Forms

• hyperthermal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyperthermia

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; see origin at hyper-, therm-, -ia

Compare meaning

How does hyperthermia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hypothermia vs. hyperthermia

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hyperthermia

Eric Valencia’s death was ruled as accidental and his cause of death was listed as hyperthermia, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 1, 2026

Male obesity has been linked to low sperm count, via bifold mechanisms of increased conversion of testosterone to estrogen by adipose cells and by scrotal hyperthermia.

From Slate ● Apr. 16, 2026

When Gazans die from lack of medical treatment, malnutrition or hyperthermia, Mr Wahidi clarifies "these cases are indirect and do not get added to the lists."

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2025

This leads people to underestimate their chances of suffering hyperthermia on the hottest days and of their chances of dying.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 20, 2024

We chat about hyperthermia and electrolytes until he is ready to order some finicky combination like soup of the day, garden salad, and a side of grits.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich