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Venereal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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venereal

[vəˈnɪr.i.əl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical term

Venereal refers to diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. These are infections that can affect the reproductive organs and other parts of the body. The term is often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emphasizes the need for awareness and prevention.

Synonyms

STD, sexually transmitted, venereal disease.

Examples of usage

  • Venereal diseases can be prevented with safe sex practices.
  • She went to the clinic for a check-up for venereal infections.
  • Education about venereal diseases is crucial for sexual health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During the 19th century, it was common for medical professionals to refer to sexually transmitted infections as 'venereal diseases', highlighting the societal stigma attached to them.
  • In the early 20th century, the phrase 'venereal diseases' was widely used in public health initiatives to encourage prevention and education.

Public Health

  • The study of venereal diseases is crucial for public health, focusing on prevention, testing, and treatment, particularly in reducing transmission rates.
  • Modern terminology is shifting from 'venereal diseases' to 'sexually transmitted infections' (STIs) to focus more on the infections themselves rather than the stigma.

Cultural Representations

  • Venereal diseases have been depicted in literature and art, emphasizing the intersection of love, sexuality, and the consequences of unprotected encounters.
  • Movies from the 20th century often used the theme of venereal diseases to create drama, especially in narratives involving forbidden love.

Prevention and Education

  • Education on safe sex practices is crucial for preventing venereal diseases, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's health status.
  • Healthcare programs aim to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about sexual health, which is key to managing and preventing infections.

Origin of 'venereal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'venereus', meaning 'of sexual love', which in turn is derived from 'venere', meaning 'to love or to desire'.
  • It has been in use in English since the late 14th century, originally to describe diseases associated with sexual activity.

The term 'venereal' comes from the Latin 'venereus', meaning 'of love or sexual desire', which is derived from 'venere', meaning 'to desire'. This term was first used in the context of diseases associated with sexual activity in the early 19th century. As the understanding of diseases transmitted through sexual contact grew, the term became more popular in medical literature. Originally used to describe conditions like syphilis and gonorrhea, 'venereal' has been largely replaced by the more comprehensive term 'sexually transmitted infections' (STIs) in modern medical terminology. However, the word remains in use, particularly in historical contexts and discussions surrounding the societal implications of such diseases.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,887, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.