chancre

noun

chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)
especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
chancrous
ˈshaŋ-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce chancre (audio)
adjective

Examples of chancre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In adults, the most common symptom of early-stage syphilis is a chancre or circular lesion. — Amy Yurkanin | Ayurkanin@al.com, al, 1 June 2023 What makes diagnosis challenging is that the chancres will typically disappear without any treatment. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Latin cancer

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chancre was in 1585

Phrases Containing chancre

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Cite this Entry

“Chancre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chancre. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

chancre

noun
chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a sore at the site of entry of an infectious germ (as one causing syphilis)
Etymology

from French chancre "a sore," from Latin cancer "crab, cancer (disease)" — related to cancer, canker

Medical Definition

chancre

noun
chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)
especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
chancrous
-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce chancre (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on chancre

Nglish: Translation of chancre for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chancre

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