adjective / noun

syphilitic

sif-ih-LIT-ik/ˌsɪfɪˈlɪtɪk/

Relating to or affected by syphilis.

The doctor orders tests to determine whether the rash is syphilitic.

A respectful modern clinical examination: an older East Asian man affected by secondary syphilis presents his open palms, showing a subtle reddish-brown rash, while an older Black woman clinician examines them with a handheld magnifier.

Etymology

The adjective refers to syphilis, named after Syphilus, a shepherd portrayed as the first sufferer in Fracastoro’s poem. Why Fracastoro chose that character’s name, and what it meant to him, are unknown.

In context

Medscape2:50

syphilitic chancre x' typically heal on their own over a few months

Syphilis | Clinical Presentation

More examples

Early treatment helps prevent syphilitic damage to the nervous system.
Syphilitic sores can heal even when the infection remains.
The old medical report refers to the patient as a syphilitic.

Forms

syphilitic · syphilitics

syphilis noun — A bacterial infection usually spread through sex.