pox

[ poks ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a disease characterized by multiple skin pustules, as smallpox.
2. syphilis.
3. Also called soil rot. Plant Pathology. a disease of sweet potatoes, characterized by numerous pitlike lesions on the roots, caused by a fungus, Streptomyces ipomoea.
4. (used as an interjection to express distaste, rejection, aversion, etc.):

   A pox on you and your bright ideas!

pox

/ pɒks /

noun

1. any disease characterized by the formation of pustules on the skin that often leave pockmarks when healed
2. the pox
   an informal name for syphilis
3. a pox on someone archaic.
   interjection an expression of intense disgust or aversion for someone

Word History and Origins

Origin of pox¹

1540–50 (earlier as surname); spelling variant of pocks, plural of pock

Word History and Origins

Origin of pox¹

C15: changed from pocks, plural of pock

Example Sentences

As was typically the case, Trump offered no further specifics, but all 50 states mandate not only MMR vaccinations, but shots against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and chicken pox for all schoolchildren.

From Los Angeles Times

Once inside a host, a virus can multiply and attack cells, causing diseases such as the flu, chicken pox, and COVID-19.

From National Geographic Kids

Most vaccines work like this: When people are vaccinated against a disease like the flu or chicken pox, they are purposely given a dead or weakened amount of the bacteria or virus that causes the disease.

From National Geographic Kids

On a recent visit, I started my day as a mail courier, which led to me meeting an elixir specialist, where we wondered about a cure to “duck pox,” but before any fictional diseases were tackled I was conspiring with a local hotelier, imagining ways to conceal a mice problem.

From Los Angeles Times

You may encounter someone who is quacking — the aforementioned duck pox — or be pulled aside and handed a sack of play money, a stolen good one Ghost Town “resident” was hoping could be used to win the affections of another.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gonorrhea
• herpes
• syphilis