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Ague Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ague

[ˈeɪɡjuː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Ague is an old term traditionally used to describe a fever or shivering fit associated with malaria or other illnesses. It is characterized by episodes of fever, shaking, and chills followed by sweating. The term originates from archaic medical terminology and is less commonly used today. However, it may still be found in historical texts or literature concerning diseases that produce febrile symptoms.

Synonyms

chill, fever, shivering.

Examples of usage

  • He suffered from ague during his travels in the tropics.
  • The doctor diagnosed her with an ague after observing her symptoms.
  • In the 19th century, many soldiers succumbed to ague in wartime.
  • Her ague lasted for several weeks before finally subsiding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Medical Context

  • In the 17th and 18th centuries, ague was primarily associated with malaria, which was prevalent in marshy areas.
  • Doctors of the era believed that ague was caused by bad air or miasmas, a theory that was common before the germ theory of disease was established.

Literature

  • The term appears in classical literature, like Shakespeare's works, showcasing how writers captured the struggles against diseases of their times.
  • In literature, characters suffering from ague often reflect societal concerns about health and mortality.

Cultural References

  • In folk traditions, various remedies for ague were passed down, including using specific herbs believed to ward off chills and fevers.
  • The concept of ague has influenced modern expressions, with remnants in phrases about 'fever' still used today.

Symptoms and Impact

  • Typical symptoms include intense shivering followed by fevers, which can be debilitating.
  • Before effective treatments were discovered, an episode of ague could last days, disrupting communities and families significantly.

Origin of 'ague'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ague' comes from the Latin 'aqua,' meaning water, which relates to the fevers associated with waterborne diseases.
  • During the Middle Ages, 'ague' was often used to describe any fever, linking it to serious illnesses commonly seen at that time.

The word 'ague' comes from the Latin term 'acuta', which means 'sharp' or 'sudden'. Originally used to describe a sudden fever, it was often associated with malaria, a disease spread by mosquitoes, that was prevalent in marshy areas. The term was adopted into Middle English through Old French and retained its association with disease. Historically, ague was considered serious and was the subject of much medical study before the advent of modern medicine. The decline in its usage is linked to advancements in understanding diseases and their causes, leading to more precise terminology. Today, 'ague' is primarily of historical interest and is rarely used in contemporary medical discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,322, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.