noun

mpox

EM-poks

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Mpox (noun) means a viral disease related to smallpox that affects primates and some other mammals, caused by the Orthopoxvirus monkeypox. Example: “The clinic reported a small rise in mpox cases over the summer.”

noun

pathology A viral disease related to smallpox that affects primates and some other mammals, caused by the Orthopoxvirus monkeypox.

"The clinic reported a small rise in mpox cases over the summer."

"Symptoms of mpox can include fever and a distinctive rash."

"Health officials urged anyone with mpox symptoms to get tested."

How to use mpox

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMpox is the current name for the viral illness that used to be called monkeypox.

When to use it

Mpox is the term now used in medical and public health contexts in place of monkeypox.

Memory tip

Use mpox rather than monkeypox, which is now considered the outdated and stigmatising name for the same disease.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

smallpox →

Common pairings

mpox outbreak mpox cases mpox symptoms contract mpox

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “mpox” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The clinic reported a small rise in _____ cases over the summer.

Etymology

Mpox is a shortened form of monkeypox, put forward in 2022 to move away from language seen as racist and stigmatising. The name was proposed by the Montreal-based group RÉZO, working with other Canadian organisations, alongside a parallel effort to change the French term.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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monkeypox

Rhymes for mpox

pox

See all rhymes for mpox →

Frequently asked questions

What is mpox?

It is a viral disease related to smallpox, caused by the Orthopoxvirus monkeypox, that affects primates and some other mammals.

Why was the name changed from monkeypox to mpox?

The name mpox was introduced in 2022 to discourage racist and stigmatising interpretations associated with the older term monkeypox.

Is mpox the same as monkeypox?

Yes, mpox is the current name for the disease previously called monkeypox.

What is the meaning of mpox?

"mpox" (noun) means a viral disease related to smallpox that affects primates and some other mammals, caused by the Orthopoxvirus monkeypox.