Definition of "tertiary syphilis" [tertiary syphilis]

• The final stage of syphilis, following a latent period that may last years, characterized by spread of the disease to many organs and tissues, including the skin, bones, joints, heart, brain, and spinal cord. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.