What term pertains to a fever or elevated body temperature?

Febrile is the term used to describe a fever or an elevated body temperature. It denotes that the body’s temperature is higher than the normal range, typically a sign of an infection or illness. When someone is febrile, it indicates that the body is responding to a condition that may involve inflammation or infection, which often increases metabolic activity and the body's core temperature.

In contrast, terms like hypothermic and normothermic are associated with lower than normal body temperature and normal body temperature, respectively. Afebrile refers to the absence of fever, indicating that a person's temperature is within the normal limits. Understanding these terms is essential in the medical field, as they help healthcare professionals accurately describe and assess a patient's state regarding their body temperature.