tertiary syphilis

noun

: the third stage of syphilis that develops after disappearance of the symptoms of secondary syphilis and is marked by ulcers in and gummas under the skin and commonly by involvement of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In its final stages, known as tertiary syphilis, the infected can go blind, become paralyzed and develop dementia before dying an agonizing death. —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2015

Manet was not given to such introspection, but the consequences of his tertiary syphilis are relevant to a fuller understanding of the achievement of his last years. —Colin B. Bailey, The New York Review of Books, 17 Nov. 2020

The final stage is tertiary syphilis, which is rare but can cause serious complications affecting organs like the heart and brain, according to the CDC. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 May 2019

Symptoms will depend on which organs tertiary syphilis is attacking. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 May 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tertiary syphilis

noun

: the third stage of syphilis that develops after the disappearance of the secondary symptoms and is marked by ulcers in and gummas under the skin and commonly by involvement of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems