gonorrhea

[ gon-uh-ree-uh ]
See synonyms for gonorrhea on Thesaurus.com
nounPathology.
  1. a contagious, purulent inflammation of the urethra or the vagina, caused by the gonococcus.

Origin of gonorrhea

1
First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin, from Greek gonórrhoia; equivalent to gono- + -rrhea
  • Also especially British, gon·or·rhoe·a .

Other words from gonorrhea

  • gon·or·rhe·al, adjective
  • gon·or·rhe·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use gonorrhea in a sentence

  • In gonorrhoea gonococci are sometimes found in the sediment, but more commonly in the "gonorrheal threads," or "floaters."

    A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
  • Eosinophilic leukocytes are common in gonorrheal pus and in asthmatic sputum.

    A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
  • It is not usual to find gonococci when many other bacteria are present, even though the pus is primarily of gonorrheal origin.

    A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
  • Some authorities claim that fully half the sterility in women is caused by gonorrheal infection of the Fallopian tubes.

    Sex | Henry Stanton
  • gonorrhea also causes inflammation of the joints, gonorrheal rheumatism, testicular inflammations which may lead to sterility.

    Sex | Henry Stanton

Scientific definitions for gonorrhea

gonorrhea

[ gŏn′ə-rēə ]


  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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for gonorrhea

gonorrhea

[ (gon-uh-ree-uh) ]


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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.