chancre

noun

chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)
especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
chancrous adjective

Examples of chancre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In adults, the most common symptom of early-stage syphilis is a chancre or circular lesion. Amy Yurkanin | Ayurkanin@al.com, al, 1 June 2023 What makes diagnosis challenging is that the chancres will typically disappear without any treatment. Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2023 Untreated, the chancre can disappear and be succeeded a month later by the secondary stage, in which a subtle symmetrical red rash blossoms over the torso, genitals, and, quite uniquely, on the palms and soles (5). Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2016 In the first stage, the most distinctive symptom of syphilis is a chancre, which is a circular lesion on the body. Amy Yurkanin | Ayurkanin@al.com, al, 24 Sep. 2022 Sometimes syphilis presents as a painless chancre, or a round, open sore on your genitals. Zahra Barnes, SELF, 12 Oct. 2021 Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 16 June 2021 Syphilis: If your partner has chancres (firm, round sores) that aren’t covered by the condom, the infection can spread to you. Zahra Barnes, SELF, 29 Aug. 2019 In the primary stage, chancres (usually firm, round, and painless) appear at the site of infection. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 May 2019

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Latin cancer

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chancre was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near chancre

Cite this Entry

“Chancre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chancre. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

chancre

noun
chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a sore at the site of entry of an infectious germ (as one causing syphilis)
Etymology

from French chancre "a sore," from Latin cancer "crab, cancer (disease)" — related to cancer, canker

Medical Definition

chancre

noun
chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)
especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
chancrous adjective

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