Fever vs. Temperature — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature indicating illness, while Temperature is a measure of heat or coldness of an object or environment. Both terms have distinct meanings in health and physics contexts.
Difference Between Fever and Temperature
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Key Differences
Fever is a specific medical condition where one's body temperature rises beyond the normal range, often due to infection or illness. Temperature, on the other hand, is a broad term that refers to the degree of hotness or coldness in a body or environment.
While a fever indicates a potential health issue in a person or animal, temperature can be used to describe the state of any object, substance, or environment, from a cup of tea to the climate of a region.
One can have a fever when their body temperature rises above the average, typically around 98.6°F (37°C) for humans. Temperature, in its general sense, does not imply any specific value but is a measure on a scale.
Fever usually requires medical attention, especially if persistent or very high. Temperature, however, is a neutral term, simply denoting a measurement and can be high, low, or moderate without health implications.
Both Fever and Temperature can be measured using thermometers. However, while clinical thermometers are designed specifically to measure body temperature in cases of fever, there are various types of thermometers designed to measure temperatures in different contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Elevated body temperature due to illness or infection.
Measure of heat or coldness in a body/environment.
Context
Medical condition.
Physical property of a substance/object.
Typical Value
Above 98.6°F (37°C) for humans.
Varies depending on context (no specific value).
Implication
Suggests potential health issue.
Neutral; simply a measurement.
Measurement Tool
Clinical thermometer.
Various types of thermometers.
Compare with Definitions
Fever
A type of infectious disease characterized by high temperature.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness.
Temperature
The degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale.
The temperature reached 100°F today.
Fever
An intense or heightened emotion or activity.
There was a fever of excitement at the concert.
Temperature
A specific degree of body warmth.
His body temperature was normal.
Fever
A rise in body temperature above its normal level.
He stayed home due to a fever.
Temperature
The average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.
The temperature affects the movement of molecules in a gas.
Fever
Fever, also referred to as pyrexia, is defined as having a temperature above the normal range due to an increase in the body's temperature set point. There is not a single agreed-upon upper limit for normal temperature with sources using values between 37.2 and 38.3 °C (99.0 and 100.9 °F) in humans.
Temperature
A measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or substance.
The temperature of the water was quite cold.
Fever
Abnormally high body temperature.
Temperature
The atmospheric condition or ambient heat level of an environment.
The room's temperature was comfortable.
Fever
Any of various diseases characterized by abnormally high body temperature.
Temperature
Temperature is a physical quantity that expresses hot and cold. It is the manifestation of thermal energy, present in all matter, which is the source of the occurrence of heat, a flow of energy, when a body is in contact with another that is colder or hotter.
Fever
A condition of heightened activity or excitement
A fever of anticipation.
Temperature
The degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment.
Fever
A contagious, usually short-lived enthusiasm or craze
Disco fever.
Temperature
A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a sample of matter, expressed in terms of units or degrees designated on a standard scale.
Fever
To effect fever in.
Temperature
The degree of heat in the body of a living organism, usually about 37.0°C (98.6°F) in humans.
Fever
To be or become feverish.
Temperature
An abnormally high condition of body heat caused by illness; a fever.
Fever
A higher than normal body temperature of a person (or, generally, a mammal), usually caused by disease.
"I have a fever. I think I've the flu."
Temperature
A measure of cold or heat, often measurable with a thermometer.
The boiling temperature of pure water is 100 degrees Celsius.
The temperature in the room dropped nearly 20 degrees; it went from hot to cold.
The most accurate way to take your temperature is by sticking a thermometer up your butt.
Fever
Any of various diseases.
Scarlet fever
Temperature
An elevated body temperature, as present in fever and many illnesses.
You have a temperature. I think you should stay home today. You’re sick.
Fever
A state of excitement or anxiety.
Temperature
(thermodynamics) A property of macroscopic amounts of matter that serves to gauge the average intensity of the random actual motions of the individually mobile particulate constituents. [http://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0004055]
Fever
(neologism) A group of stingrays.
Temperature
(obsolete) The state or condition of being tempered or moderated.
Fever
To put into a fever; to affect with fever.
A fevered lip
Temperature
The balance of humours in the body, or one's character or outlook as considered determined from this; temperament.
Fever
To become fevered.
Temperature
Constitution; state; degree of any quality.
The best composition and temperature is, to have openness in fame and opinion, secrecy in habit, dissimulation in seasonable use, and a power to feign, if there be no remedy.
Memory depends upon the consistence and the temperature of the brain.
Fever
A diseased state of the system, marked by increased heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of appetite. Many diseases, of which fever is the most prominent symptom, are denominated fevers; as, typhoid fever; yellow fever.
Temperature
Freedom from passion; moderation.
In that proud port, which her so goodly graceth,Most goodly temperature you may descry.
Fever
Excessive excitement of the passions in consequence of strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as, this quarrel has set my blood in a fever.
An envious feverOf pale and bloodless emulation.
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.
Temperature
Condition with respect to heat or cold, especially as indicated by the sensation produced, or by the thermometer or pyrometer; degree of heat or cold; as, the temperature of the air; high temperature; low temperature; temperature of freezing or of boiling.
Fever
To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as, a fevered lip.
The white hand of a lady fever thee.
Temperature
Mixture; compound.
Made a temperature of brass and iron together.
Fever
A rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
Temperature
The degree of heat of the body of a living being, esp. of the human body; also (Colloq.), loosely, the excess of this over the normal (of the human body 98°-99.5° F., in the mouth of an adult about 98.4°).
Fever
Intense nervous anticipation;
In a fever of resentment
Temperature
The degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
Fever
A symptom of disease or infection.
The flu gave her high fever and chills.
Temperature
The somatic sensation of cold or heat
Fever
An overwhelming feeling or passion.
She caught the dance fever after watching a live performance.
Common Curiosities
What does Temperature mean?
Temperature is a measure of the degree of hotness or coldness in a body or environment.
Can you have a Fever without feeling hot?
Yes, one can have a fever and still feel chills or coldness.
What's the average body Temperature for humans?
The average body temperature for humans is around 98.6°F (37°C).
What is Fever?
Fever is an elevation in body temperature beyond the normal range, often due to illness or infection.
How is body Temperature typically measured?
Body temperature is usually measured with a clinical thermometer, either orally, rectally, under the armpit, or via the ear.
What should you do if you have a high Fever?
If you have a high fever, especially if persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it's recommended to seek medical advice.
How is Temperature used in daily life?
Temperature is used to determine weather conditions, cook food, regulate home heating or cooling, and more.
What is room Temperature?
Room temperature refers to the ambient temperature of an environment, typically considered to be around 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C).
Can a cold environment cause a Fever?
No, a cold environment won't cause a fever; however, exposure might lead to illnesses that trigger a fever.
At what Temperature does water boil?
Water boils at 212°F (100°C) at sea level.
How can Temperature affect the state of matter?
Changes in temperature can cause matter to transition between solid, liquid, and gas phases.
Is a Fever always a sign of an infection?
While often associated with infections, fevers can also result from other causes like inflammation, medication, or certain diseases.
Can physical activity raise your body Temperature without a Fever?
Yes, physical activity can increase body temperature due to muscle exertion and increased metabolism, but it's not the same as having a fever.
Does Temperature affect the rate of chemical reactions?
Yes, generally, increasing the temperature speeds up chemical reactions.
Are there different types of Fevers?
Yes, fevers can be intermittent, remittent, continuous, or hectic, based on their pattern and cause.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
