Calentural

/ˌkæləntʃəˈrɑl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to calenture, a delirious fever (especially in sailors) that causes hallucinations of cool waters or paradise.

Etymology

From calenture plus the suffix -al (meaning 'of or relating to'), describing the feverish condition and its characteristics.

Kelly Says

The word 'calentural' preserves a haunting piece of maritime history—sailors with this tropical fever would sometimes hallucinate and jump overboard thinking they were seeing water and land.

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