Here is the requested information about "poxes":
1. Parts of Speech: Noun (plural)
2. Definitions:
- A disease characterized by pustules or blisters on the skin or mucous membranes, especially smallpox or syphilis.
- A contagious disease causing pustules or sores on the skin.
- A cause or source of trouble or annoyance.
3. Pronunciations:
- US: /ˈpɑksɪz/
- UK: /ˈpɒksɪz/
4. Origin and Usage: The word "poxes" originated from the Middle English word "pokkes", which meant "pustules". It was first used in the 14th century to describe a contagious disease that caused pustules on the skin. Over time, the word "poxes" came to be associated with a variety of contagious diseases, including smallpox and syphilis. In modern usage, "poxes" is often used figuratively to describe a source of trouble or annoyance.
5. Synonyms:
- Disease
- Infection
- Contagion
- Affliction
- Trouble
6. Related Words:
- Poxed
- Poxes
7. Example Sentences:
- The smallpox outbreak in the 18th century killed thousands of people.
- He caught a pox from his lover and had to be quarantined.
- The poxes of poverty and corruption plagued the country for years.