Definition

Describing something that happens every third day or at intervals of about 48 hours.

Example

The doctor noted that the patient had a tertian fever, which recurred every other day.

Conversation

I've been feeling really odd lately with this tertian fever.

That sounds tough! How often does it hit you?

It comes back every other day, so it's pretty annoying.

Ugh, I can imagine! You should definitely see a doctor about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of fever that occurs every other day, often associated with certain diseases like malaria.

Example

The doctor diagnosed him with tertian fever after observing his symptoms.

Conversation

Have you heard about the recent cases of tertian fever in the area?

Yeah, I read something about it; it's quite concerning.

I hope it doesn't spread like last time when it was all over the news.

Root Explanation

Tertian → It is formed from "tertius" (meaning third) in Latin, combined with the suffix "-an" (meaning pertaining to). The word "tertian" refers to something that is related to or occurring every third day.

Memory Tip

Think of 'third' ('tertius') to remember that 'tertian' means something that happens every third day.

Visually Confused Words