PYRETOGENOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pyretogenous is an adjective that pertains to the production or induction of fever in the body. It is derived from the combination of the Greek words "pyr," meaning fire, and "genes," meaning born or produced. In medical terminology, pyretogenous is commonly used to describe substances or agents that can trigger or cause a rise in body temperature.
When an individual is exposed to pyretogenous agents, such as certain bacteria, viruses, or toxins, the body's immune response is activated, leading to the release of chemical mediators. These mediators, including cytokines and prostaglandins, act on the hypothalamus in the brain, which is responsible for regulating body temperature. As a result, the hypothalamus sets a higher temperature point, leading to fever.
Pyretogenous substances can also be artificial, such as certain medications or chemicals. For instance, pyretogenous effects may occur as a side effect of some drugs, including certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, or immunizations. Pyretogenous substances can have various mechanisms of action, such as stimulating the production of inflammatory chemicals or directly affecting the hypothalamus.
The term "pyretogenous" is commonly used in the medical field, especially in the context of infectious diseases, immunology, and pharmacology. Understanding the pyretogenous properties of substances and elucidating their mechanisms of action is crucial in diagnosing and treating febrile conditions.
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1. Caused by fever. 2. Causing fever, pyretogenetic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PYRETOGENOUS
- pyrtogenous
- oyretogenous
- lyretogenous
- -yretogenous
- 0yretogenous
- ptretogenous
- pgretogenous
- phretogenous
- puretogenous
- p7retogenous
- p6retogenous
- pyeetogenous
- pydetogenous
- pyfetogenous
- pytetogenous
- py5etogenous
- py4etogenous
- pyrwtogenous
- pyrstogenous
- pyrdtogenous
Etymology of PYRETOGENOUS
The word "pyretogenous" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pyretos" and "genos".
1. "Pyretos" (Πυρετός) is the Greek word for "fever". It comes from the verb "pyroo" (πυρόω), meaning "to set on fire" or "to ignite". In the medical context, "pyretos" is specifically linked to a high body temperature associated with an illness or infection.
2. "Genos" (γένος) is a Greek word meaning "origin", "race", "kind", or "descent". It is often used in scientific terminology to indicate a source or cause.
By combining these two roots, "pyretogenous" is formed, referring to something that generates or causes a fever.
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