chlamydia

What it means

1. uncountableAny of several common, often asymptomatic, sexually transmitted diseases caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis.

   That makes sense, because we’re all looking for flowery language from our physicians. “Like the sunlight shines upon the hidden grassy meadow, so does chlamydia cast a warm glow upon your private parts.”

   2014, Tim Carvell [et al.], “Dr. Oz and Nutritional Supplements”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 1, episode 8, John Oliver (actor), Warner Bros. Television, via HBO

2. countableAny of various coccoid microorganisms of the genus Chlamydia that are pathogenic to humans and other animals.

In a sentence

That makes sense, because we’re all looking for flowery language from our physicians. “Like the sunlight shines upon the hidden grassy meadow, so does chlamydia cast a warm glow upon your private parts.”

2014, Tim Carvell [et al.], “Dr. Oz and Nutritional Supplements”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 1, episode 8, John Oliver (actor), Warner Bros. Television, via HBO

Where it comes from

1. Ancient Greekχλαμύδιον“small cloak”
2. New Latinchlamydia
3. Englishchlamydia

From New Latin chlamydia, from Ancient Greek χλαμύδιον (khlamúdion, “small cloak”), from χλαμύς (khlamús, “cloak”).