Definition

Happening every four days or every 72 hours, often used to describe certain types of fevers or medical conditions.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with a quartan fever, which means it occurs every fourth day.

Conversation

I heard you were feeling under the weather lately.

Yeah, I think I have a quartan fever; it keeps coming back every few days.

That's rough! Have you seen a doctor about it?

Not yet, but I should probably get it checked out soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of fever caused by malaria that occurs every three days.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with quartan after experiencing recurring fevers.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a quartan fever?

Yeah, isn't it that malaria-related illness that comes back every three days?

Exactly! I read that it's quite rare these days, thankfully.

Root Explanation

**Quartan** → It originates from Latin *quartana*, meaning a fever that recurs every fourth day. The root *quartus* means fourth. The word 'quartan' refers to something that occurs every fourth day, particularly in the context of a type of fever.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fourth' ('quartus') to remember that 'quartan' refers to something that happens every fourth day.

Visually Confused Words