pox

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pox / päks/ • n. any of several viral diseases producing a rash of pimples that become pus-filled and leave pockmarks on healing. ∎  (the pox) inf. syphilis. ∎  (the pox) hist. smallpox. ∎  a plant disease that causes pocklike spots.PHRASES: a pox on archaic used to express anger or intense irritation with someone or something: a pox on both their houses!

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