pox
4 synonyms for pox, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A disease that causes spots or pockmarks on the skin, such as chickenpox or smallpox.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pox
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
chickenpox
a pox on
Etymology
From the plural of Middle English pocke, "pock" — the curse sense comes from the old habit of literally wishing the disease on an enemy.
Full origin of pox →Frequently asked questions
What does “pox” mean?
The word “pox” means a disease that causes spots or pockmarks on the skin, such as chickenpox or smallpox. In plain terms, a skin disease marked by spots, or, as an old-fashioned curse, a wish of bad luck on someone.
How do you pronounce “pox”?
“Pox” is pronounced pahks (/pɑks/ in IPA).
How do you use “pox” in a sentence?
Here is “pox” used in a sentence: “The vaccine all but eliminated smallpox, once a deadly pox.”
What part of speech is “pox”?
“Pox” is a noun.
Where does the word “pox” come from?
The word “pox” comes from Middle English. From the plural of Middle English pocke, "pock" — the curse sense comes from the old habit of literally wishing the disease on an enemy.
How many meanings does “pox” have?
“Pox” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a disease that causes spots or pockmarks on the skin, such as chickenpox or smallpox.
