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.

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hyperthermia British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːmɪ, ˌhaɪpəˈθɜːmɪə /

noun

1. pathol variants of hyperpyrexia

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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

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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

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

To deal with the irreversible temperature increases we already experience, people need to take precautions to avoid hyperthermia, Romps said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024

The death certificate says he died of hyperthermia.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2023

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