Pox: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ท
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pox

 

[pษ‘ks ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

disease outbreak

Pox refers to any of several contagious diseases characterized by the presence of pockmark-like lesions on the skin. Most notably, smallpox, chickenpox, and syphilis are types of pox. These diseases can vary in severity, with some leading to serious health complications or death if left untreated. Pox diseases have been significant in medical history, causing widespread outbreaks until vaccines were developed.

Synonyms

blister, eruption, lesion, pock, rash.

Examples of usage

  • He contracted chickenpox during the school outbreak.
  • The smallpox vaccine has eradicated the disease.
  • She displayed classic signs of pox on her skin.
  • They conducted a study on the effects of pox vaccinations.
  • The doctor diagnosed him with a type of pox.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'pox' comes from the Latin word 'pocca,' which means 'pimple' or 'small bump.'
  • It was historically used to refer to various diseases with skin lesions, notably smallpox and chickenpox.

Science

  • Smallpox was a contagious disease caused by the variola virus, eradicated worldwide through a successful vaccination campaign in the late 20th century.
  • Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is characterized by an itchy rash that appears in clusters.

Cultural References

  • Variations of the word have appeared in literature and folklore, often symbolizing illness and contagion.
  • In the 18th century, pox was sometimes referred to in art to convey themes of tragedy or illness.

Public Health

  • Vaccination against smallpox has been crucial in eliminating the disease, making it the first disease to be completely eradicated.
  • Chickenpox vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of this condition, showing the positive impact of vaccination programs.

Psychology

  • The outbreak of pox illnesses historically contributed to societal fear, highlighting the psychological impact of contagious diseases.
  • Stigma around 'pox' diseases like smallpox and chickenpox has influenced social interactions and cultural attitudes towards illness.

Translations

Translations of the word "pox" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น varรญola

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเฅ‡เคšเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Pocken

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cacar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ั‚ั€ัะฝะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ospy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคฉ็„ถ็—˜

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท variole

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ viruela

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงiรงek hastalฤฑฤŸฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‘์ฐฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฌุฏุฑูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ neลกtovice

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ neลกtovice

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคฉ่Šฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ฤrne koze

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรณrasรณtt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐั€ัˆะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒญแƒงแƒšแƒ”แƒขแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pox

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ viruela

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,672, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.