Meaning & Definition of Syphilis in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A chronic infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, typically characterized by distinct stages of infection.

  Example Sentence: If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health complications.

• Definition: The first stage is marked by the appearance of a sore or ulcer, known as a chancre.

  Example Sentence: She noticed a chancre on her lip and suspected syphilis.

• Definition: In its later stages, syphilis may affect the heart, brain, and other organs.

  Example Sentence: Untreated syphilis can result in severe organ damage.

Etymology

Origin: The term 'syphilis' comes from a poem written in 1530 by Giovanni Battista Morgagni, where it was first used to describe the disease.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• The great pox: A historical term for syphilis due to its severity.
• Chancre: The primary sore associated with the first stage of syphilis.
• Secondary syphilis: The second stage characterized by skin rashes.

Translations

• Spanish: sífilis

• French: syphilis

• German: Syphilis

• Russian: сифилис

Related Words

• Treponema pallidum: The bacterium that causes syphilis.

• chancre: The ulcer that appears in the primary stage of syphilis.

• antibiotic: A type of medication used to treat syphilis.

Slang Meanings of syphilis

• Meaning: The pox

  Example Sentence: He joked about catching 'the pox' at the party, not realizing he might actually mean syphilis.

• Meaning: Bad blood

  Example Sentence: Some people refer to syphilis as bad blood in certain circles.