ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gonorrhea

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɡɑnɝˈiə// gon·or·rhea

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

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