Monday word: luetic

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

luetic  (lo͞o ĕt′ ĭk)
adj.: Relating to syphilis, caused by it, or suffering from it.
noun: A person who has syphilis.

Etymology:  Latin, lues, plague.

Lues was an old name for syphilis.

The name 'syphilis' was invented by Doctor Girolamo Fracastoro, in the early 1500s.  Why he chose the name is unknown.

As far as I can tell, the name 'syphilis' predates 'lues' by about 100 years. 

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

That sounds like it'd be more useful than I suspect it actually is. Pity, as I like it a lot. Thanks!