Meaning & Definition of word "Pox"
to
Pox
/pɒks/
noun:
- 1. a highly infectious viral disease characterized by fever and a distinctive rash, historically including smallpox and chickenpox.
- Example: The emergence of pox in the region raised concerns about public health.
- 2. any of several diseases that produce a rash, including cowpox and monkeypox.
- Example: The veterinarian warned that pox could affect livestock and needed to be monitored closely.
- 3. any disease with similar eruptive symptoms.
- Example: In the past, the word pox was often used to describe various skin diseases.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'poc', possibly derived from Latin 'poculum' meaning cup.
Common Phrases and Expressions
chickenpox:
A contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
smallpox:
A highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus.
Related Words
smallpox:
A serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus.
chickenpox:
A mild and highly contagious viral infection.