hyperthermia
/ˌhaɪpərˈθɜːrmiə/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
hyper- + thermē — over + heat
Overview
Meaning Now
- A condition in which the body's internal temperature rises significantly above the normal range due to failed thermoregulation.
- A medical treatment involving the artificial heating of the body or a specific part of it, often used to aid in cancer therapy.
Literal older meaning
excessive heat condition
Language path
Ancient Greek → New Latin → English
Earliest form
hyperthermia
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term emerged as medical terminology in the late 19th century to describe pathological states of heat, distinguishing it from fever, which is typically a regulated increase in body temperature induced by immune response.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
hyper- (ὑπέρ)
“over/beyond”
- Ancient Greek
thermē (θέρμη)
“heat”
- 19th century
hyperthermia
“abnormally high body temperature”
Coined in medical terminology using Greek roots.
Connections
Word parts
hyper-
prefix
over; above; excessive
therm
root
heat
-ia
suffix
condition or state
Related across languages
French
hyperthermie
hyperthermia
German
Hyperthermie
hyperthermia
Related words
Explore next
Related to hyperthermia
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.