How Do You Spell AGUE?

Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪɡjuː] (IPA)

The word "ague" is a curious word with an irregular spelling. It is pronounced /ˈeɪɡjuː/ and means a type of fever that causes shivering and sweating. The spelling of "ague" comes from Middle English "ague" and Old French "ague", which originally meant "sharp" or "pointed". The word later evolved to refer specifically to the feverish chills caused by malaria. While the word may be uncommon in modern usage, its unique spelling and pronunciation make it an interesting linguistic oddity.

AGUE Meaning and Definition

  1. Ague is a noun that refers to a condition characterized by recurring fever and chills, accompanied by sweating and shivering. It is typically associated with malaria or other types of infectious diseases that induce similar symptoms. The term "ague" is derived from the Latin word "acūtus," which means "sharply pointed" or "severe."

    In its historical context, ague also represented a specific febrile disease, common throughout Europe in the medieval and early modern periods. It was often described as an intermittent fever, marked by shaking or shivering followed by periods of heat and sweat. Ague was believed to be caused by a disturbance in the body's humors or imbalance of bodily fluids.

    With the advancement of medical knowledge and improvements in sanitation and hygiene, the prevalence of ague has significantly declined in modern times. However, the term "ague" is still used in reference to illnesses that mimic its symptoms, especially those related to malaria. In such cases, the ague-like symptoms refer to episodes of fever, chills, and sweating that recur periodically.

    Overall, ague is a term that describes a specific pattern of fever and shivering, historically linked to infectious diseases like malaria. While its usage has evolved, the term retains its significance in medical contexts, particularly when referring to similar feverish conditions.

  2. 1. Malarial fever marked by chill, fever, and sweating. 2. A chill.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • To cause to shiver.
    • Intermittent fever, attended with cold fits and shivering.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for AGUE *

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Other Common Misspellings for AGUE

Etymology of AGUE

The word "ague" derives from the Old French word "agu", which in turn comes from the Latin word "acutus", meaning "sharp" or "acute". In ancient times, ague was used to refer to a fever, especially one characterized by recurrent fits and chills. This term became commonly associated with malaria, a disease marked by recurring fevers, and eventually expanded to encompass various febrile illnesses.

Similar spelling words for AGUE

Plural form of AGUE is AGUES

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