syphilis

noun

syph·​i·​lis ˈsi-f(ə-)ləs 

: a chronic contagious usually sexually transmitted and often congenital disease caused by a spirochete (Treponema pallidum) and if left untreated producing chancres, rashes, and systemic lesions in a clinical course with three stages continued over many years compare primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, tertiary syphilis

syphilitic

ˌsi-fə-ˈli-tik 

adjective or noun

Examples of syphilis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The syphilis-causing bacterium, on the other hand, can be transferred through kissing only via direct contact with active syphilis sores (chancres) in the mouth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026

The lack of deployment of rapid point-of-care syphilis tests reflects an absence of will, leadership at multiple levels, and ongoing reimbursement challenges. — Jeffrey D. Klausner, STAT, 17 June 2026

In the Tuskegee syphilis study, hundreds of Black men were left untreated without their knowledge over a 40-year period. — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026

Maternal syphilis rates rose 28% from 2022 to 2024, and untreated infection during pregnancy can cause serious harm or death to a baby. — ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Syphilus, hero of the poem Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus (Syphilis or the French disease) (1530) by Girolamo Fracastoro †1553 Italian poet and physician

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing syphilis

• primary syphilis
• secondary syphilis
• tertiary syphilis

Rhymes for syphilis

• neurosyphilis

Kids Definition

syphilis

noun

syph·​i·​lis ˈsif-(ə-)ləs 

: a venereal disease that is caused by a spirochete and if left untreated is marked by a series of three stages extending over many years

syphilitic

ˌsif-ə-ˈlit-ik 

adjective or noun

Medical Definition

syphilis

noun

syph·​i·​lis ˈsif-(ə-)ləs 

: a chronic contagious usually venereal and often congenital disease that is caused by a spirochete of the genus Treponema (T. pallidum) and if left untreated produces chancres, rashes, and systemic lesions in a clinical course with three stages continued over many years

called also lues

see primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, tertiary syphilis