hyperthermia

noun

hy·​per·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pər-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hyperthermia (audio)
: exceptionally high fever especially when induced artificially for therapeutic purposes
hyperthermic
ˌhī-pər-ˈthər-mik How to pronounce hyperthermia (audio)
adjective

Examples of hyperthermia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beyond the heavy sweating, hyperthermia and sleep-like state, the patient did not experience severe or persistent adverse effects, the researchers noted. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 The 9-year-old had a body temperature of 108 degrees and died of hyperthermia, a medical examiner ruled, authorities said. — Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025 University Health providers use cooling bags, ice and water to treat individuals experiencing hyperthermia with a technique called cold water immersion. — Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026 In 2023, a 43-year-old homeless man named Efrain Hernandes died in Sacramento due to hyperthermia and heat stroke, according to the coroner’s office. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hyperthermia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from hyper- + therm- + -ia

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperthermia was in 1887

Rhymes for hyperthermia

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Browse Nearby Words

Hypertherm
hyperthermia
hyperthermophile
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Cite this Entry

“Hyperthermia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperthermia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hyperthermia

noun
hy·​per·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pər-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hyperthermia (audio)
1
: elevated temperature of the body (as that occurring in heatstroke) see malignant hyperthermia
2
: the artificial heating of all or part of the body (as in diathermy) for therapeutic purposes (as to treat cancer)
hyperthermic
-mik How to pronounce hyperthermia (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hyperthermia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hyperthermia

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