[gon-uh-ree-uh] 
| a contagious, purulent inflammation of the urethra or the vagina, caused by the gonococcus. |
| gon·or·rhe·a (gŏn'ə-rē'ə) n. A sexually transmitted disease caused by gonococcal bacteria that affects the mucous membrane chiefly of the genital and urinary tracts and is characterized by an acute purulent discharge and painful or difficult urination, though women often have no symptoms. [Greek gonorrhoia, flow of seed (from the mistaken belief that the discharge contained semen) : gono-, gono- + -rhoia, -rrhea.] gon'or·rhe'al, gon'or·rhe'ic adj. |
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.
gonorrhea gon·or·rhe·a (gŏn'ə-rē'ə)
n.
A sexually transmitted disease caused by gonococci and affecting mucous membrane chiefly of the genital and urinary tracts, marked by an acute purulent discharge and painful or difficult urination, though women often have no symptoms.
| gonorrhea (gŏn'ə-rē'ə) Pronunciation Key
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. |
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