Definition

A substance that causes an increase in body temperature, leading to fever.

Example

The doctor explained that a pyrogen can trigger a fever in response to infection.

Conversation

I read that some infections can release a pyrogen into the body.

Really? I didn't know that could happen.

Yeah, it can cause a fever as your body fights off the infection.

That makes sense; our bodies are pretty amazing at protecting us!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pyrogen → It is formed from "pyro-" (from Greek "pur", meaning fire) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word "pyrogen" refers to a substance that produces or generates heat or fever, particularly in a biological context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fire' ('pyro-') producing something ('-gen'), which helps you remember that a pyrogen is something that generates heat or fever.

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