gonorrhea

especially British, gon·or·rhoe·a

[gon-uh-ree-uh]

noun

Pathology.

1. a contagious, purulent inflammation of the urethra or the vagina, caused by the gonococcus.

gonorrhea

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 Word Forms

• gonorrheal adjective
• gonorrheic 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

Scientists at the U.S. labs that track sexually transmitted diseases, such as drug-resistant gonorrhea and viral hepatitis, were laid off.

From Los Angeles Times

In June 2024, the CDC officially recommended doxy PEP for men who have sex with men and transgender women to treat syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea.

From Salon

Here’s what I overheard: “Yes, I just got back from my trip to the Middle East. Yes, it was eventful. What? What happened? What happened was I got gonorrhea in Dubai.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finalized its endorsement of taking doxycycline after unprotected sex as a way to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infections.

From Seattle Times

New cases of chlamydia and early syphilis — but not gonorrhea — dropped over the course of about a year.

From New York Times

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• the clap www.thesaurus.com
• venereal disease