syphilis

/ˈsɪf(ə)lɪs/

/ˈsɪfɪlɪs/

Definitions of syphilis

1. noun

   a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
   synonyms: lues, lues venerea, pox, syph

   types:

   primary syphilis

   the first stage; characterized by a chancre at the site of infection

   secondary syphilis

   the second stage; characterized by eruptions of the skin and mucous membrane

   tertiary syphilis

   the third stage; characterized by involvement of internal organs especially the brain and spinal cord as well as the heart and liver

   neurosyphilis

   syphilis of the central nervous system

   locomotor ataxia, tabes dorsalis

   syphilis of the spinal cord characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons and stabbing pains in the trunk and legs and unsteady gait and incontinence and impotence

   type of:

   Cupid's disease, Cupid's itch, STD, VD, Venus's curse, dose, sexually transmitted disease, social disease, venereal disease, venereal infection

   a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact