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pestilence

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pestilence

Main Entry:: pes·ti·lence
Pronunciation:: \ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s\
Function:: noun
Date:: 14th century

1: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating ; especially : bubonic plague2: something that is destructive or pernicious <I'll pour this pestilence into his ear — Shakespeare>

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