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

Mpox, previously known as monkey pox, is a contagious virus that can cause painful skin lesions.

From BBC

Mpox, previously known as monkey pox, is a contagious virus that can cause painful skin legions.

From BBC

So it keeps passing along like it's chicken pox.

From Salon

It is caused by a reactivation of the Herpes zoster virus - the virus that causes chicken pox.

From BBC

Related Words

• gonorrhea
• herpes
• syphilis