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syphilis

syphilis

noun see-fee-LEES Rare

Usage Note

Syphilis is the standard medical and everyday term for the sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It is always feminine and does not change in the plural. In historical contexts it was sometimes called la vérole or le mal français (a term used by other Europeans), illustrating how nations blamed each other for its spread. It is now treated with penicillin.

Examples

"La syphilis se traite avec des antibiotiques."

Natural Translation

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.

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