Definition

Medical speak for 'not having a fever,' because apparently saying 'normal temperature' is too pedestrian. It's the absence of fever dressed up in a three-syllable tuxedo.

Example Usage

After 48 hours on antibiotics, the patient remained afebrile with normal vital signs.

Origin

From Latin 'a-' (without) + 'febris' (fever)

Fun Fact

The 'a-' prefix is used throughout medicine to indicate absence, giving us gems like asymptomatic, anuria, and apnea.

Source: Clinical terminology and vital signs documentation

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