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

Examples of tertiary syphilis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With the onset of the symptoms of his tertiary syphilis, a significant change may be said to have taken place in Manet’s creative process. Colin B. Bailey, The New York Review of Books, 17 Nov. 2020 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tertiary syphilis was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near tertiary syphilis

Cite this Entry

“Tertiary syphilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tertiary%20syphilis. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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

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