How Do You Spell GONOCOCCAL?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒnəkˌɒkə͡l] (IPA)

The word "gonococcal" is a medical term that refers to a type of bacteria called "Neisseria gonorrhoeae" that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. It is pronounced /ˌɡɒnəˈkɒkəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "gon" is pronounced with a short o sound, followed by a stressed second syllable "oc" with a long o sound. The final syllable "cal" is pronounced with a short a sound. Remembering the spelling of this word can be challenging, but breaking it down into its phonetic components can help.

GONOCOCCAL Meaning and Definition

1. Gonococcal is an adjective that pertains to, relates to, or is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as gonorrhea. Gonococcal is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe various conditions, symptoms, or infections associated with this specific bacterium.

   When referring to a particular infection, such as gonococcal urethritis, it means that the inflammation of the urethra is specifically caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Similarly, gonococcal conjunctivitis signifies inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by this bacterium.

   The term "gonococcal" is often used in clinical discussions, research papers, and medical literature to distinguish diseases and conditions caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae from those caused by other pathogens. This bacterium specifically targets the mucous membranes of the genital tract, rectum, throat, and eyes, leading to various infections.

   It is important to note that gonorrhea, the STI caused by the gonococcal bacteria, has become increasingly resistant to many antibiotics, making it challenging to treat. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential in managing gonococcal infections.

   In summary, "gonococcal" refers to conditions, symptoms, or infections caused specifically by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is a term commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe diseases related to gonorrhea and distinguish them from other infections.

2. Relating to the gonococcus, gonococcic.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Etymology of GONOCOCCAL

The word "gonococcal" is primarily derived from two components: "gon(o)-" and "-coccal".

1. "Gon(o)-": This prefix is derived from the Greek word, "gonos", meaning "seed" or "generation". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to organs or diseases related to the reproductive system.

2. "-Coccal": This suffix is derived from the Greek word, "kokkos", meaning "berry" or "seed". It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe microorganisms that have a spherical or round shape.

Therefore, "gonococcal" refers to something related to or caused by a spherical bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes the sexually transmitted infection known as gonorrhea.