1. (

• syphilis ,
• syph ,
• pox ,
• lues_venerea ,
• lues

) a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta) ;

2. (

• pox

) a contagious disease characterized by purulent skin eruptions that may leave pock marks ;