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Definition of «pox»

Pox is a term used to describe several different diseases caused by viruses from the poxvirus family. These diseases include chickenpox, smallpox and shingles. Chickenpox is usually a mild illness that occurs in children and young adults, while smallpox was a much more severe disease that has now been eradicated through vaccination. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox but affects older people who have had chickenpox before. All of these diseases are characterized by a rash and can be contagious.

Usage examples

  1. Pox marks: Pox marks refer to the scars or pockmarks that are left on the skin after recovering from certain diseases like smallpox or chickenpox. These marks can be a lasting reminder of the illness and may affect a person's self-esteem.
  2. Pox parties: Pox parties were popular in the past, especially before the introduction of the vaccine against chickenpox. Parents would intentionally expose their children to infected individuals in the hope of contracting the disease and developing immunity. This practice is highly discouraged and considered unsafe.
  3. Congenital syphilis: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. If left untreated during pregnancy, it can result in congenital syphilis, which may cause a variety of health problems in newborns, including skin lesions known as syphilitic pox. Proper prenatal care and early treatment can prevent this condition.

Phrases with «pox»

Sentences with «pox»

  • Knowing that any make up will simply further aggravate the already inflamed area, I cleaned my face and set off to work with the outbreak on full display and was doing fine until «Miss, you usually look so pretty in the afternoons... but today you look like you have chicken pox on your head! (mindbodygreen.com)
  • It is not Nick Clegg's liberalism that attracts, but his «pox on both your houses» stance. (newstatesman.com)
  • The use of small pox blankets on our people to try to kill us off faster has been described by medical doctors as the first example of «biological warfare» during non-war times. (rabble.ca)
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See also

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