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

Researchers are testing a new oral medication called zoliflodacin that could offer a simpler way to treat gonorrhea, especially strains that no longer respond well to existing antibiotics.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2026

In June 2024, the CDC officially recommended doxy PEP for men who have sex with men and transgender women to treat syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of syphilis cases rose by 32 percent, while chlamydia and gonorrhea each rose by around 4 percent.

From Scientific American • Oct. 6, 2023

Mississippi had the highest rate of gonorrhea cases, according to 2021 CDC data released Tuesday.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2023

Among these are gonorrhea, pneumonia, scarlet fever, blood poisoning, diphtheria, etc.

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

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