venereal infection
Definition
Noun: 1. A sexually transmitted infection: A communicable disease or infection that is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or direct genital contact.
Usage
- The term "venereal infection" is a formal and somewhat dated medical term. In modern clinical and public health contexts, the preferred terms are sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- It is used to describe infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are passed from one person to another through sexual activity.
Examples
- Public health campaigns aim to reduce the spread of venereal infections.
- The doctor explained that several venereal infections, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term health complications.
- Regular screening is important for the early detection and treatment of venereal infections.
Advanced Usage
- The adjective "venereal" comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and historically referred to diseases associated with sexual intercourse.
- In legal or historical texts, you may encounter the phrase "venereal disease" (VD) as an older umbrella term.
Variants and Related Words
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI): The modern, preferred term for a venereal infection.
- Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD): A common synonym, though some health organizations prefer "STI" as it includes infections that may not yet cause disease symptoms.
- Venereal Disease (VD): An older, now less common term.
Synonyms
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Related Phrases
- Contagious disease: A broader category of diseases that can be transmitted from person to person.
- Communicable infection: An infection capable of being transmitted.
Noun
-
a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact
