ague
UK[ˈeɪɡjuː]US[ˈeɪɡjuː]
n
a fever, such as from malaria, marked by regular periods of chills, fever, and sweating.
n
a fit of shivering.
Etymology
the word 'ague' entered english in the late middle english period, derived from the old french 'aigue' or 'fievre aigue', meaning 'acute fever'. this old french term itself originates from the latin 'acuta (febris)', translating to 'sharp (fever)'. the core of the word lies in the latin adjective 'acutus', meaning 'sharp' or 'acute', which is a past participle of 'acuere', 'to sharpen'. the semantic journey is direct: the sharp, piercing, or sudden nature of the fever's onset gave the illness its name. over time, its usage became particularly associated with the intermittent fevers characteristic of malaria.
Analysis
this word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
in the 19th century, many settlers in marshy areas suffered from the ague.
a sudden ague seized him, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.
the doctor diagnosed the recurring fever and chills as a case of ague.