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

Related Words

• gonorrhea
• herpes
• syphilis