Dictionary

pestilence

noun pes·ti·lence \ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s\

: a disease that causes many people to die

Full Definition of PESTILENCE

1
:  a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating; especially :  bubonic plague
2
:  something that is destructive or pernicious <I'll pour this pestilence into his ear — Shakespeare>
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First Known Use of PESTILENCE

14th century
PESTILENCE Defined for Kids

pestilence

noun pes·ti·lence \ˈpe-stə-ləns\

Definition of PESTILENCE for Kids

:  a contagious usually fatal disease that spreads quickly
Medical Dictionary

pestilence

noun pes·ti·lence \ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s\

Medical Definition of PESTILENCE

:  a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating; specifically :  bubonic plague

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