Word
gonorrhea
Phoneticsgon·or·rhea
/ˌɡɑnɝˈiə/
UK spelling · gonorrhoea
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It can cause pain and discharge and is usually treated with antibiotics.
n. a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It typically affects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, mouth, and eyes.
Examples
“He was diagnosed with gonorrhea after visiting the clinic.”
“Public health officials are concerned that rising rates of gonorrhea are becoming more resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.”
“While symptoms in men often manifest as painful urination and discharge, many women with gonorrhea remain asymptomatic, which complicates early detection and treatment efforts.”
Examples
simple
“He was diagnosed with gonorrhea after visiting the clinic.”
contextual
“Public health officials are concerned that rising rates of gonorrhea are becoming more resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.”
complex
“While symptoms in men often manifest as painful urination and discharge, many women with gonorrhea remain asymptomatic, which complicates early detection and treatment efforts.”
Real-World Examples
“Rates of reported gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis have increased by more than 50% across Australia over the past decade, with experts warning of concerning rises among women.” “Since 2017, according to the CDC , the most important of these diseases have reached historic highs: Gonorrhea has increased by 28 percent, and syphilis by 74 percent.” Etymology
From New Latin, from Late Latin gonorrhoea, from Ancient Greek γονόρροια (gonórrhoia), from γόνος (gónos, “sperm, seed, offspring”) + ῥοία (rhoía, “flow”) (ca. 1526). By surface analysis, gono- + -rrhea.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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