Syphilis (noun)

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum.

Origin:

From new latin syphilis, from latin syphilis sive morbus gallicus "syphilis or the french disease", translating italian sifilide, the name of the disease in girolamo fracastoro"s poem syphilis sive morbus gallicus (1530), in which it is personified as a shepherd named syphilis.

Examples:

1. The patient was diagnosed with syphilis and was given antibiotics to treat the infection.
2. Syphilis can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
3. The syphilis outbreak in the city has health officials worried.
4. Many people with syphilis don't show any symptoms, which makes it hard to detect and treat.
5. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact.