/poks/ , n. Pathol.
1. a disease characterized by multiple skin pustules, as smallpox.
2. syphilis.
3. Also called soil rot . Plant Pathol. a disease of sweet potatoes, characterized by numerous pitlike lesions on the roots, caused by a fungus, Streptomyces ipomoea.
4. (used interjectionally to express distaste, rejection, aversion, etc.): A pox on you and your bright ideas!
[ 1540-50 (earlier as surname); sp. var. of pocks, pl. of POCK ]