Venereal

/vəˈnɪr.i.əl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Relating to sexual intercourse or diseases transmitted through sexual contact.
The clinic specializes in the treatment of venereal diseases.
Pertaining to or characteristic of the sexual organs.
He was reading a book on venereal physiology.
Of or relating to the god Venus, often associated with love or sexual desire.
The artist's work is filled with venereal themes reflecting the beauty of love.

Etymology

From Latin 'venereus', meaning 'sexual, of love', from 'venere', meaning 'to desire, to love'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

venereal disease
Any disease transmitted through sexual contact.
venereal infection
An infection that is primarily transmitted sexually.

Related Words

sexually transmitted disease
An infectious disease that is primarily spread through sexual contact.
chlamydia
A common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria.
gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Slang Meanings

VD
He found out he had a VD and decided to go get treated.
The clap
After a night out, he jokingly said he hoped he didn't catch the clap.