pox
Americannoun
-
a disease characterized by multiple skin pustules, as smallpox.
-
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.
-
(used as an interjection to express distaste, rejection, aversion, etc.).
A pox on you and your bright ideas!
noun
-
any disease characterized by the formation of pustules on the skin that often leave pockmarks when healed
-
an informal name for syphilis
-
archaic (interjection) an expression of intense disgust or aversion for someone
Etymology
Origin of pox
1540–50 (earlier as surname); spelling variant of pocks, plural of pock
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It will also prevent serious consequences if the child does go on to develop chicken pox and it really reduces the likelihood of hospital admission and any other serious consequences," she said.
From BBC
When someone gets chicken pox, usually in childhood, the virus does not fully leave the body.
From Science Daily
"Some animals have lumps on their chest. It's not pox, but no one will believe me," he says.
From BBC
Greek farmers have sustained major losses from an infestation of sheep pox, and an EU investigation into widespread subsidy fraud that has delayed payments to legitimate claimants.
From Barron's
It was during her bout with the chicken pox, when she dropped her painstakingly researched art history paper into the milk bath while attempting to proofread it.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
