Fever vs. Temperature: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
Fever is a medical condition characterized by an elevated body temperature, often due to an infection or illness; temperature is a measure of the hotness or coldness of an object or environment, expressed in degrees.
Key Differences
Fever and temperature are related concepts but denote different things. Fever refers to a state of having a body temperature above the normal range, often due to an underlying medical condition, infection, or inflammation. It is the body’s natural response to combat pathogens and is often accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, shivering, and feeling weak. Temperature, in contrast, is a more generalized term referring to the degree of hotness or coldness measured by a thermometer and can apply to the atmosphere, a room, or a body, serving as a basic, fundamental physical quantity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
In medical contexts, fever is typically seen as a symptom of an underlying condition and is often accompanied by other signs and symptoms, serving as an important indicator for diagnosis. A person is generally considered to have a fever when their body temperature exceeds 100.4°F (38°C). Temperature, in this context, serves as a measurement, indicating the level of heat in the body. It helps in monitoring body conditions and is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, a stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
When discussing fever, it is important to acknowledge that it’s a common medical symptom that can result from various causes including infections, extreme weather conditions, immunizations, and other medical conditions. It is temporary and can be treated with medications like antipyretics to lower the body temperature. Temperature, however, is a universal concept utilized in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and meteorology, to assess the thermal state of different entities, indicating whether an object is hot or cold compared to a standard value, and it can be measured in various scales including Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Lastly, while fever is specifically related to health and medicine, indicating a deviation from normal body temperature due to physiological responses, temperature is a broader concept, integral to various scientific calculations and daily life activities. A sound understanding of temperature is essential in multiple domains, such as cooking, weather forecasting, and manufacturing, allowing people to make informed decisions based on the thermal conditions of objects or the environment.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Elevated body temperature due to medical conditions.
Degree of hotness or coldness measured in degrees.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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Context of Use
Medical, as a symptom.
Universal, used in various scientific and daily life contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Measurement Scale
Measured in degrees (°F or °C).
Measured in Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Indication
Indicates a possible underlying illness or infection.
Indicates thermal state of an object or environment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Associated Fields
Medicine and healthcare.
Physics, chemistry, meteorology, and more.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Fever and Temperature Definitions
Fever
A contagious usually transient enthusiasm.
The town caught football fever.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
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Temperature
A measure of the warmth or coldness of an object.
The temperature of the water was just right.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Fever
A rise in body temperature above the normal range.
The child had a fever after playing in the rain.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Temperature
The average kinetic energy of the particles of a substance.
The temperature affects the state of matter.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Fever
An intense interest or passion.
She has a fever for learning new languages.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Temperature
The level of heat maintained in the human body.
His temperature was slightly elevated.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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Fever
A symptom of disease marked by increased body temperature.
High fever is common in viral infections.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Temperature
A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a sample of matter, expressed in terms of units or degrees designated on a standard scale.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
Any of various diseases characterized by abnormally high body temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
The degree of heat in the body of a living organism, usually about 37.0°C (98.6°F) in humans.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
A condition of heightened activity or excitement
A fever of anticipation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
An abnormally high condition of body heat caused by illness; a fever.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
A measure of cold or heat, often measurable with a thermometer.
The boiling temperature of pure water is 100 degrees Celsius.
The temperature in the room dropped nearly 20 degrees; it went from hot to cold.
The most accurate way to take your temperature is by sticking a thermometer up your butt.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
An elevated body temperature, as present in fever and many illnesses.
You have a temperature. I think you should stay home today. You’re sick.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
(thermodynamics) A property of macroscopic amounts of matter that serves to gauge the average intensity of the random actual motions of the individually mobile particulate constituents. [http://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0004055]
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
A higher than normal body temperature of a person (or, generally, a mammal), usually caused by disease.
"I have a fever. I think I've the flu."
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
(obsolete) The state or condition of being tempered or moderated.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
The balance of humours in the body, or one's character or outlook as considered determined from this; temperament.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
Constitution; state; degree of any quality.
The best composition and temperature is, to have openness in fame and opinion, secrecy in habit, dissimulation in seasonable use, and a power to feign, if there be no remedy.
Memory depends upon the consistence and the temperature of the brain.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
Freedom from passion; moderation.
In that proud port, which her so goodly graceth,Most goodly temperature you may descry.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
Condition with respect to heat or cold, especially as indicated by the sensation produced, or by the thermometer or pyrometer; degree of heat or cold; as, the temperature of the air; high temperature; low temperature; temperature of freezing or of boiling.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
A diseased state of the system, marked by increased heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of appetite. Many diseases, of which fever is the most prominent symptom, are denominated fevers; as, typhoid fever; yellow fever.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
The degree of heat of the body of a living being, esp. of the human body; also (Colloq.), loosely, the excess of this over the normal (of the human body 98°-99.5° F., in the mouth of an adult about 98.4°).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
Excessive excitement of the passions in consequence of strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as, this quarrel has set my blood in a fever.
An envious feverOf pale and bloodless emulation.
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
The degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as, a fevered lip.
The white hand of a lady fever thee.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Fever
A rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 07, 2023
Temperature
A degree of hotness or coldness measured in degrees.
The temperature outside is below freezing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Temperature
A specific degree of heat or cold.
The room was kept at a constant temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Fever
A state of heightened activity or excitement.
Fever gripped the city during the championship game.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
Can a fever be treated with medication?
Yes, a fever can often be treated with antipyretic medications to lower body temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can temperature indicate weather conditions?
Absolutely, temperature is a crucial factor in determining and forecasting weather conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Does temperature affect the state of matter?
Yes, temperature affects the state of matter, influencing whether a substance is solid, liquid, or gas.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Is a fever contagious?
A fever itself is not contagious, but it can be a sign of a contagious illness or infection.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Is a fever harmful?
A fever is usually a natural defense mechanism, but very high fevers can be harmful and require medical attention.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Is a fever a medical condition?
Yes, a fever is a medical condition characterized by elevated body temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
What does temperature measure?
Temperature measures the degree of hotness or coldness of an object or environment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can a fever be a symptom of an infection?
Yes, a fever is often a symptom of an infection or another medical condition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Is temperature always measured in degrees?
Yes, temperature is measured in degrees, but the scale can be Fahrenheit, Celsius, or Kelvin.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Can a fever occur without an infection?
Yes, fevers can occur due to various reasons like inflammation, extreme weather conditions, or immunizations.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Is measuring temperature important in cooking?
Absolutely, measuring temperature is crucial in cooking to ensure food is cooked properly.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Does temperature influence chemical reactions?
Yes, temperature can influence the rate and outcome of chemical reactions.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Can you feel when you have a fever?
Often, individuals can feel symptoms like warmth, chills, or sweating when they have a fever.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can temperature vary between day and night?
Yes, temperature typically varies between day and night due to the sun’s heating effect.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Does having a fever mean you are sick?
Often, but not always, as a fever can be due to non-infectious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or certain medications.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
