noun
Uncommon
syphilis
SIH-fih-lihs
Syphilis (noun) means a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, which can cause serious long-term health problems if untreated. Example: “Untreated syphilis can progress through several stages over many years.”
noun
1
A sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, which can cause serious long-term health problems if untreated.
"Untreated syphilis can progress through several stages over many years."
How to use syphilis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bacterial infection spread through sexual contact.
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Untreated _____ can progress through several stages over many years.
Etymology
The name comes from a 1530 poem by Girolamo Fracastoro about a shepherd named Syphilus who was struck with the disease as punishment for offending the god Apollo.
Class of 1530
syphilis joined the language around 1530.
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Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of syphilis?
"syphilis" (noun) means a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, which can cause serious long-term health problems if untreated.
What is another word for syphilis?
Other words for "syphilis" include pox, syph, lues, lues venerea.
How do you use syphilis in a sentence?
Example: "Untreated syphilis can progress through several stages over many years."
