(pros‵tĭ-too'shŏn )

[L. prostitutio, prostitution, lit. “public exposure”]

Engaging in sexual acts for money or other rewards with someone not a lover. Prostitutes may be male or female and engage in heterosexual or homosexual acts. Typically, the prostitute is female and her customer a male. Prostitution is a risk factor for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis, and AIDS.

SEE: sex industry; sex worker.

(pros'tĭ-toot‵)