chancre

noun

chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər 

: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)

especially : the initial lesion of syphilis

chancrous

ˈshaŋ-k(ə-)rəs 

adjective

Examples of chancre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In adults, the most common symptom of early-stage syphilis is a chancre or circular lesion. —Amy Yurkanin | [e-mail], al, 1 June 2023

What makes diagnosis challenging is that the chancres will typically disappear without any treatment. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2023

Sometimes syphilis presents as a painless chancre, or a round, open sore on your genitals. —Zahra Barnes, SELF, 12 Oct. 2021

Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. —Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 16 June 2021

Untreated, the chancre can disappear and be succeeded a month later by the secondary stage, in which a subtle symmetrical red rash blossoms over the torso, genitals, and, quite uniquely, on the palms and soles (5). —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2016

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Latin cancer

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chancre

• soft chancre

Kids Definition

chancre

noun

chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər 

: a sore at the site of entry of an infectious germ (as one causing syphilis)

Etymology

from French chancre "a sore," from Latin cancer "crab, cancer (disease)" — related to cancer, canker

Medical Definition

chancre

noun

chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər 

: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)

especially : the initial lesion of syphilis

chancrous

-k(ə-)rəs 

adjective