remittent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “remittent” mean?
Having periods of abating and returning, especially of a fever.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having periods of abating and returning, especially of a fever.
Characterized by temporary lessening of severity or intensity, followed by a return of symptoms or activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. The word is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Solely medical/scientific.
Frequency
Used almost exclusively in historical or specialized medical texts. Very uncommon in modern general practice.
Grammar
How to Use “remittent” in a Sentence
is a remittent feverhas a remittent characterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remittent” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient was diagnosed with a remittent fever, typical of certain parasitic infections.
American English
- In the 19th century, malaria was often described as having a remittent pattern.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely unlikely. Possibly a metaphorical description of economic volatility.
Academic
Found in historical medical literature or epidemiology papers discussing fever typologies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain, for describing specific fever patterns in medicine.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remittent”
- Using it as a synonym for 'continuous'. It specifically means with breaks and returns. Confusing it with the verb 'remit' (to send money or to cancel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, technical term primarily found in historical or specialized medical contexts.
Both imply breaks. 'Intermittent' means stopping and starting again at intervals. 'Remittent' (in medicine) specifically means lessening in severity but not fully stopping, then returning.
Its primary and almost exclusive use is for fevers. Metaphorical use for other things that ebb and flow is possible but highly stylized and rare.
Yes, 'remittence' is the noun form, but it is even rarer than the adjective and largely obsolete.
Having periods of abating and returning, especially of a fever.
Remittent is usually technical/medical in register.
Remittent: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɪt(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rəˈmɪt(ə)nt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fever that takes a break and then returns to REMIT (send) the payment of suffering (TENT) again – it’s remittent.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLNESS IS A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION (remit = to send money, here it 'sends back' the symptoms).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'remittent' most commonly used?