fevernoun/ˈfiːvə/

• 1

  medicinesciencesA higher than normal body temperature of a person (or, generally, a mammal), usually caused by disease.

  • There has been a rise in my fever. I think I've the flu.
  • Proper nutrition – and even more important, proper hydration – is crucial in preventing and recovering from both fevers and colds. […] As Abramson explained, when we are sick, whether we have a fever or not, our metabolic rates skyrocket, and our bodies need more calories to support that high metabolic rate.
• 2

  Any of various diseases.

  • scarlet fever
• 3

  A state of excitement or anxiety.

  • an envious fever
  • There is little doubt that while war fever has not gripped Taipei, its economic foundations are being shaken. The stock market rose yesterday, but only because the Government has pumped $1.5 billion (£1 billion) into it after $370 million was drained from banks, and stocks were sold by investors who are worried by the Chinese manoeuvres.
• 4

  A group of stingrays.

  • On the way back to the mainland the boat passed over a fever of stingrays, and the sight of them through the glass was enough to colour everything else, and outstrip it.
  • They move like thoughts, like memory, like a Wes Anderson diorama of earthly delights: lionfish, an albacore, a fever of stingrays—and then like a wound, a sea turtle at eye level.
• 5

  derogatoryslangSexual attraction towards a specific group of people.

  • Asian fever
  • clown fever

feververb/ˈfiːvə/

• 1

  To put into a fever; to affect with fever.

  • a fevered lip
  • the white hand of a lady fever thee
• 2

  To become fevered.