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

Reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhea have been climbing for about a decade.

From Popular-Science

Sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have been on the rise for years across the United States, and the pandemic has only worsened the situation.

From Popular-Science

Perhaps indulging a storyteller’s penchant for hyperbole, he said he contracted gonorrhea during one sequence, received directors guild compensation for being “hurt on the job” and used the money to buy enough film to complete the movie.

From Washington Post

Over the next six years new cases of gonorrhea among women statewide declined by 39 percent.

From The Daily Beast

Bacterial pathogens include gonorrhea (yes) which can cause blindness in a matter of hours, and chlamydia.

From The Daily Beast

We find rape more traumatic than gonorrhea, even though the physical effects of the STD may be much worse.

From The Daily Beast

I have been practicing infectious disease since Bush 41 was president, and I have never seen a person die of gonorrhea.

From The Daily Beast

He went on to suggest that patients with gonorrhea can develop sepsis and die within a few days.

From The Daily Beast

It is estimated that ninety-five per cent of all abdominal operations performed upon women are due to gonorrhea.

From Project Gutenberg

Yeah—the only kind of guns these Mex wars are fought with is Gonorrhea Guns.

From Project Gutenberg

Gonorrhea also causes inflammation of the joints, gonorrheal rheumatism, testicular inflammations which may lead to sterility.

From Project Gutenberg

They may take a smear, and they find that—intra and extracellular diplococci, they treat the patient for gonorrhea.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, this resembles the gonococcus bacteria which causes gonorrhea.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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