treponema

noun

trep·​o·​ne·​ma ˌtre-pə-ˈnē-mə How to pronounce treponema (audio)
plural treponemata ˌtre-pə-ˈnē-mə-tə How to pronounce treponema (audio) or treponemas
: any of a genus (Treponema) of spirochetes that are pathogenic in humans and other warm-blooded animals and include the causative agents of syphilis and yaws
treponemal adjective

Examples of treponema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her own research has led her to suspect that the treponema bacteria originated in the New World, manifesting as yaws and spread through skin-to-skin contact exposed by a warm climate. National Geographic, 21 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'treponema.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Treponemat-, Treponema, from Greek trepein to turn + nēma thread, from nēn to spin — more at needle

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of treponema was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near treponema

Cite this Entry

“Treponema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treponema. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

treponema

noun
trep·​o·​ne·​ma ˌtrep-ə-ˈnē-mə How to pronounce treponema (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of the family Spirochaetaceae 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 treponemata -mət-ə How to pronounce treponema (audio) or treponemas : any spirochete of the genus Treponema
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