chlamydia

chla·myd·ia

noun \klə-ˈmi-dē-ə\

plural chla·myd·i·ae\-dē-ˌē\

Definition of CHLAMYDIA

1

: any of a genus (Chlamydia, family Chlamydiaceae) of spherical gram-negative intracellular bacteria; especially : one (C. trachomatis) that causes or is associated with various diseases of the eye and urogenital tract including trachoma, lymphogranuloma venereum, cervicitis, and some forms of urethritis

2

: a disease or infection caused by chlamydiae

— chla·myd·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

Origin of CHLAMYDIA

New Latin, from Greek chlamyd-, chlamys

First Known Use: 1966

Rhymes with CHLAMYDIA

Numidia, Pisidia