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tertiary syphilis
noun
: the third stage of syphilis that develops after disappearance of the symptoms of secondary syphilis and is marked by ulcers in and gummas under the skin and commonly by involvement of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems
Examples of tertiary syphilis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With the onset of the symptoms of his tertiary syphilis, a significant change may be said to have taken place in Manet’s creative process.
—Colin B. Bailey, The New York Review of Books, 17 Nov. 2020
In its final stages, known as tertiary syphilis, the infected can go blind, become paralyzed and develop dementia before dying an agonizing death.
—Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2015
Manet was not given to such introspection, but the consequences of his tertiary syphilis are relevant to a fuller understanding of the achievement of his last years.
—Colin B. Bailey, The New York Review of Books, 17 Nov. 2020
The final stage is tertiary syphilis, which is rare but can cause serious complications affecting organs like the heart and brain, according to the CDC.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 May 2019
Symptoms will depend on which organs tertiary syphilis is attacking.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 May 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1875, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of tertiary syphilis was
in 1875
Dictionary Entries Near tertiary syphilis
Cite this Entry
“Tertiary syphilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tertiary%20syphilis. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
tertiary syphilis
noun
: the third stage of syphilis that develops after the disappearance of the secondary symptoms and is marked by ulcers in and gummas under the skin and commonly by involvement of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems
More from Merriam-Webster on tertiary syphilis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tertiary syphilis
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