lues

noun

lu·es ˈlü-(ˌ)ēz

plural lues

: syphilis

luetic

lü-ˈe-tik

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, plague; akin to Greek lyein to loosen, destroy — more at lose

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lues was in 1634

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lues.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lues. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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Medical Definition

lues

noun

lu·es ˈlü-(ˌ)ēz

plural lues

: syphilis

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