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!

pox disease marked by pocks, spec. syphilis. XVI. alt. sp. of pocks, pl. of POCK; so chicken-pox, cow-pox, SMALLPOX.

pox (poks) n.
1. an infectious disease causing a skin rash.

2. a rash of pimples that become pus-filled, as in chickenpox and smallpox.