plague

Definitions

• (often used with the, sometimes capitalized: the Plague) The bubonic plague, the pestilent disease caused by the virulent bacterium Yersinia pestis.
• (pathology) An epidemic or pandemic caused by any pestilence, but specifically by the above disease.
• A widespread affliction, calamity or destructive influx, especially when seen as divine retribution.
• (figurative) A grave nuisance, whatever greatly irritates.
• Collective noun for