Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
calenture
noun
kə-ˈlen-chər
Definition
A fever that causes delirium in a person exposed to excessive heat, particularly in tropical climates.
Examples
- During the voyage, several crew members succumbed to calenture, suffering from hallucinations due to the heat.
- In folklore, it’s said that those afflicted by calenture would mistakenly jump overboard, believing the ocean to be land.
Meaning
Traditionally, calenture refers to a condition that sailors experienced while at sea, which leads to confusion and a sense of intense heat.
Synonyms
- Heatstroke
- Sunstroke
- Fever
