tertian

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​tian ˈtər-shən 

: recurring at approximately 48-hour intervals

—used of malaria

tertian

2 of 2

noun

: a tertian fever (such as vivax malaria)

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English tercian, from Anglo-French, from Latin tertianus, literally, of the third, from tertius third — more at third entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tertian

1 of 2 adjective

ter·​tian ˈtər-shən 

: recurring at approximately 48-hour intervals

—used chiefly of vivax malaria compare quartan

tertian

2 of 2 noun

: a tertian fever

specifically : vivax malaria