gonorrhea

American  

[gon-uh-ree-uh] / ˌgɒn əˈri ə /

especially British, gonorrhoea

noun

Pathology.

1. a contagious, purulent inflammation of the urethra or the vagina, caused by the gonococcus.

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gonorrhea Scientific  

/ gŏn′ə-rē′ə /

1. A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the genital and urinary tracts, an acute discharge containing pus, and painful urination, especially in men. Women often have few or no symptoms.

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gonorrhea Cultural  

1. An acute and sexually transmitted disease, caused by bacteria that invade the mucous membranes of the genitals and urinary tract. In women, the disease can also spread to the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to chronic pelvic pain or infertility. In both sexes, the disease can spread to the joints and skin (or, more rarely, the heart or brain) if left untreated. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.

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Other Word Forms

• gonorrheal adjective
• gonorrheic adjective

Etymology

Origin of gonorrhea

First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin, from Greek gonórrhoia; equivalent to gono- + -rrhea

Compare meaning

How does gonorrhea compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• chlamydia vs. gonorrhea

Example Sentences

One of the biggest challenges in treating gonorrhea is antibiotic resistance.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2026

In one study, each $1 increase in per capita federal STI and HIV prevention funding was associated with a 21% decrease in gonorrhea.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

The most powerful defense combines a shot of ceftriaxone with azithromycin, but some evidence hints that gonorrhea is evolving to sidestep even that treatment.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023

The treatment is considered very effective at preventing chlamydia and syphilis, but may be less effective against gonorrhea; protection against gonorrhea may vary because some strains are resistant to doxycycline, Stewart said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2023

Diseases, Dose, etc.—One to three ounces every two to four hours for gonorrhea, with bloody and mucous discharges and pain in the bladder.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Related Words

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• venereal disease