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primary syphilis

American  

noun

Pathology.
  1. the first stage of syphilis, characterized by the formation of a chancre at the site of infection.


Etymology

Origin of primary syphilis

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Primary syphilis is usually heralded by a single sore called a chancre, and if not treated, patients can develop a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms.

From Reuters

Primary Syphilis.—The period of incubation represents the interval that elapses between the occurrence of infection and the appearance of the primary lesion at the site of inoculation.

From Project Gutenberg

Diagnosis of Primary Syphilis.—In cases in which there is a history of an incubation period of from three to five weeks, when the sore is indurated, persistent, and indolent, and attended with bullet-buboes in the groin, the diagnosis of primary syphilis is not difficult.

From Project Gutenberg