remittent
UK: rɪˈmɪt(ə)nt | US: rɪˈmɪt(ə)nt
adj. (of a fever or disease) characterized by alternating periods of abatement and increase in severity
The word "remittent" originates from Latin remittere ("to send back, slacken"), combining re- (back) and mittere (to send). The suffix -ent forms adjectives indicating a state or quality. Historically, it described fevers that "sent back" or fluctuated in intensity, reflecting the Latin idea of intermittent relief. Over time, it specialized in medical contexts to describe diseases with recurring symptoms.
The patient's remittent fever worried the doctors.
Malaria often presents as a remittent illness.
Her symptoms were remittent, fading only to return stronger.
The disease's remittent nature made treatment challenging.
Unlike constant fevers, remittent ones fluctuate noticeably.