milk fever

noun

1

: a febrile disorder following childbirth

2

: a disease of fresh cows, sheep, or goats that is caused by excessive drain on the body mineral reserves during the establishment of the milk flow

Examples of milk fever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the engorgement can cause fever and an overall run-down feeling, it's aptly named milk fever. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 22 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

milk fever

noun

1

: a febrile disorder following childbirth

2

: a disease of newly lactating cows, sheep, or goats that is caused by excessive drain on the body mineral reserves during the establishment of the milk flow

called also parturient apoplexy, parturient paresis

compare grass tetany