primary syphilis

noun

, Pathology.

1. the first stage of syphilis, characterized by the formation of a chancre at the site of infection.

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary syphilis¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Primary syphilis is usually a small, hard, painless, sore.

From Salon

Primary syphilis is usually heralded by a single sore called a chancre, and if not treated, patients can develop a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms.

From Reuters

Primary Syphilis.—The period of incubation represents the interval that elapses between the occurrence of infection and the appearance of the primary lesion at the site of inoculation.

From Project Gutenberg

Diagnosis of Primary Syphilis.—In cases in which there is a history of an incubation period of from three to five weeks, when the sore is indurated, persistent, and indolent, and attended with bullet-buboes in the groin, the diagnosis of primary syphilis is not difficult.

From Project Gutenberg

Difficulty may occur in the diagnosis of primary syphilis from herpes, as this may appear as late as ten days after connection; it commences as a group of vesicles which soon burst and leave shallow ulcers with a yellow floor; these disappear quickly on the use of an antiseptic dusting powder.

From Project Gutenberg