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Vinony

syphilis

noun

  1. sexually transmitted infection
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Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪfɪlɪs/ / /ˈsɪflɪs/

noun

Etymology: From New Latin syphilis, originally the title of a poem, circa 1530, by Girolamo Fracastoro concerning “Syphilus”, a shepherd boy who insulted the Greek god Apollo and was punished by that god with a horrible disease. Syphilis in the Old World began circa 1495; its spread is believed to be part of the Columbian Exchange. More in Wikipedia at History of syphilis.

  1. A disease spread via sexual activity, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

    “I saw a film the other day about syphilis. Ugh! It was too awful. I couldn't let a man touch me for a week. Is it true you can get it from kissing?”