syphilis Definition
- 1a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can cause long-term complications if not treated
- 2a chronic bacterial disease that is contracted chiefly by infection during sexual intercourse, but also congenitally by infection of a developing fetus
Using syphilis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "syphilis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but it can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Example
The symptoms of syphilis include sores, rashes, and fever.
Example
Syphilis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
syphilis Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for syphilis
- venereal disease
- VD
- sexually transmitted infection
- STI
Phrases with syphilis
a form of syphilis that is passed from a pregnant woman to her baby
Example
The baby was born with congenital syphilis because the mother was infected during pregnancy.
the first stage of syphilis, characterized by the appearance of a painless sore at the site of infection
Example
If left untreated, primary syphilis can progress to secondary syphilis.
late-stage syphilis
the final stage of syphilis, which can cause serious damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints
Example
Late-stage syphilis can be fatal if not treated.
Origins of syphilis
from New Latin 'syphilis', named after the character Syphilus in a poem by Girolamo Fracastoro
Summary: syphilis in Brief
Syphilis [ˈsɪfɪlɪs] is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can cause long-term complications if not treated, including serious damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Symptoms include sores, rashes, and fever. Syphilis has different stages, such as primary syphilis, which is characterized by the appearance of a painless sore, and late-stage syphilis, which can be fatal if not treated.