treponematous

trep·o·ne·ma   (trěp'ə-nē'mə)    n.   pl. trep·o·ne·ma·ta (-mə-tə) or trep·o·ne·mas Any of a group of spirochetes of the genus Treponema, including those that cause syphilis, pinta, and yaws. [New Latin Treponēma, genus name : Greek trepein, to turn; see trep- in Indo-European roots + Greek nēma, thread; see (s)nē- in Indo-European roots.] trep'o·ne'mal, trep'o·nem'a·tous (-něm'ə-təs) adj.

Main Entry: trep·o·ne·ma
Pronunciation: "trep-&-'nE-m&
Function: noun
1 capitalized : a genus of the familySpirochaetaceae comprising anaerobic spirochetes that are pathogenic in humans and other warm-blooded animals and include one (T. pallidum) causing syphilis and another (T. pertenue)causing yaws
2 plural trep·o·ne·ma·ta /-m&t-&/ or trep·o·ne·mas : any spirocheteof the genus Treponema

Treponema Trep·o·ne·ma (trěp'ə-nē'mə)
n.
A genus of anaerobic spirochetes including species that cause syphilis, pinta, and yaws.