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

The report's authors said their findings were consistent with two other studies and, when taken together, provided "strong evidence that the MenB vaccine is not effective for gonorrhea prevention".

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

It could simplify care, support community-led treatment programs, reduce reliance on injections, and help slow the spread of drug-resistant gonorrhea.

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

A new antibiotic, the first to be developed in decades, can cure gonorrhea infections at least as effectively as the most powerful current treatment, a large clinical trial has found.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023

In young men, narrowing of the urethra, a sequel to gonorrhea, may also cause cystitis; also stone in the bladder or foreign bodies, tumors growing in the bladder, tuberculosis of the organ.

From The Home Medical Library, Volume II (of VI) by Winslow, Kenelm

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