gonorrhea

[gon-uh-ree-uh]

noun Pathology.

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

Nearby words

Also especially British, gon·or·rhoe·a.

Origin of gonorrhea

1540–50; < Late Latin < Greek gonórrhoia. See gono-, -rrhea

Related formsgon·or·rhe·al, adjectivegon·or·rhe·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gonorrhoea

But the most important therapeutic application of this drug is in gonorrhoea, where its antiseptic action is of much value.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8|Various
In Paris we see hardly grown youths appearing at the specialist's clinic, quite proud that they need to be treated for gonorrhoea.
The Sexual Life of the Child|Albert Moll
The gonorrhoea should be treated in the same way that it ought to be if no arthritis existed.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
In the same way American usage prefers esophagus, diarrhea and gonorrhea to the English oesophagus, diarrhoea and gonorrhoea.
The American Language|Henry L. Mencken

In gonorrhoea gonococci are sometimes found in the sediment, but more commonly in the "gonorrheal threads," or "floaters."
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for gonorrhoea

gonorrhoea

esp US gonorrhea

noun

an infectious venereal disease caused by a gonococcus, characterized by a burning sensation when urinating and a mucopurulent discharge from the urethra or vagina

Derived Formsgonorrhoeal, gonorrhoeic, esp US gonorrheal or gonorrheic, adjective

Word Origin for gonorrhoea

C16: from Late Latin, from Greek, from gonos seed + rhoia flux, flow

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gonorrhoea

gonorrhea

also gonorrhoea, 1520s, from Late Latin gonorrhoia, from gonos "seed" (see gonad) + rhoe "flow," from rhein "to flow" (see rheum). Mucus discharge was mistaken for semen. In early records often Gomoria, etc., from folk etymology association with biblical Gomorrah.

Medicine definitions for gonorrhoea

gonorrhea

[gŏn′ə-rē′ə]

n.

A sexually transmitted disease caused by gonococci and affecting mucous membrane chiefly of the genital and urinary tracts, marked by an acute purulent discharge and painful or difficult urination, though women often have no symptoms.

Related formsgon′or•rhe′al null adj.

Science definitions for gonorrhoea

gonorrhea

[gŏn′ə-rē′ə]

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.

Culture definitions for gonorrhoea

gonorrhea

[(gon-uh-ree-uh)]

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.