chlamydia

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /kləˈmɪd.i.ə/

Noun

chlamydia (countable and uncountable, plural chlamydias or chlamydiae)

1. (uncountable) Any of several common, often asymptomatic, sexually transmitted diseases caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis.
   • 2014 June 22, John Oliver, “Dr. Oz and Nutritional Supplements”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 1, episode 8, HBO:

     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.”

2. (countable) Any of various coccoid microorganisms of the genus Chlamydia that are pathogenic to humans and other animals.