Syphilis - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that progresses in stages if untreated, causing sores, rashes, and serious long-term health complications. It is curable with antibiotics.
Definition:
A sexually transmitted bacterial infection causing sores, rashes, and long-term complications if untreated.
Synonyms:
lues, pox, venereal disease
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
health, wellness
Common Collocations:
congenital syphilis, latent syphilis, syphilis infection, syphilis test, syphilis treatment
Derivatives:
syphilitic, syphiloid
Usage Tips:
Use "syphilis" as a noun referring to the disease; avoid informal terms like "the clap."
Common Phrases:
tertiary syphilis, primary syphilis, secondary syphilis
Etymology:
From Latin *syphilis*, coined in a 1530 poem about a shepherd with the disease.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor diagnosed him with syphilis after blood tests confirmed it.
- 2. Syphilis can cause serious health problems if left untreated for years.
- 3. Pregnant women with syphilis may pass the infection to their babies.
- 4. Early-stage syphilis is treatable with antibiotics like penicillin.