Venereal

/vəˈnɪriəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to sexual desire or sexual diseases; historically associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Etymology

From Latin 'venereus,' derived from 'Venus,' the Roman goddess of love. Medical term 'venereal disease' emerged in the 16th century when syphilis was spreading.

Kelly Says

Venereal disease is named after the goddess of love—the irony is dark but historically accurate, as the first major outbreak coincided with European exploration when syphilis arrived from the Americas around 1495.

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