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

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 notes

In 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.

· First attested 1530

Class of 1530 syphilis joined the language around 1530.

bully grouse Passover society

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Synonyms

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pox syph lues lues venerea

Related words

opium pox

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."

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