gonorrhea

[ gon-uh-ree-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a contagious, purulent inflammation of the urethra or the vagina, caused by the gonococcus.

gonorrhea

/ gŏn′ə-rē′ə /

1. A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae , characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the genital and urinary tracts, an acute discharge containing pus, and painful urination, especially in men. Women often have few or no symptoms.

gonorrhea

1. An acute and sexually transmitted disease , caused by bacteria that invade the mucous membranes of the genitals and urinary tract . In women, the disease can also spread to the cervix , fallopian tubes , and ovaries , leading to chronic pelvic pain or infertility. In both sexes, the disease can spread to the joints and skin (or, more rarely, the heart or brain ) if left untreated. The disease can be treated with antibiotics .

Other Words From

• gonor·rheal adjective
• gonor·rheic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gonorrhea¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin, from Greek gonórrhoia; equivalent to gono- + -rrhea

Example Sentences

Here’s what I overheard: “Yes, I just got back from my trip to the Middle East. Yes, it was eventful. What? What happened? What happened was I got gonorrhea in Dubai.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finalized its endorsement of taking doxycycline after unprotected sex as a way to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infections.

From Seattle Times

New cases of chlamydia and early syphilis — but not gonorrhea — dropped over the course of about a year.

From New York Times

In the photo, there appears to be open wounds on his right hand, resulting in speculation as to their cause — with gonorrhea, syphilis or a particularly energetic game of golf thrown out as possibilities.

From Salon

A new antibiotic, the first to be developed in decades, can cure gonorrhea infections at least as effectively as the most powerful current treatment, a large clinical trial has found.

From New York Times

Related Words

• acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• AIDS
• herpes
• syphilis
• the clap
• venereal disease