remittent

adjective

re·mit·tent ri-ˈmi-tᵊnt

of a disease

: marked by alternating periods of abatement and increase of symptoms

remittent fever

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin remittent-, remittens, present participle of remittere "to send back, release, relax, abate" — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of remittent was in 1693

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Browse Nearby Words

remittee

remittent

remit to

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Remittent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remittent. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

remittent

adjective

re·mit·tent ri-ˈmit-ᵊnt

: marked by alternating periods of abatement and increase of symptoms

remittent fever

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