tertian

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​tian ˈtər-shən How to pronounce tertian (audio)
: recurring at approximately 48-hour intervals
—used of malaria

tertian

2 of 2

noun

: a tertian fever (such as vivax malaria)

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English tercian, from Anglo-French, from Latin tertianus, literally, of the third, from tertius third — more at third entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tertian was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tertian

tertial

tertian

tertianship

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tertian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tertian. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

tertian

1 of 2 adjective
ter·​tian ˈtər-shən How to pronounce tertian (audio)
: recurring at approximately 48-hour intervals
—used chiefly of vivax malaria compare quartan

tertian

2 of 2 noun
: a tertian fever
specifically : vivax malaria
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