pow

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈpō  ˈpau̇ 

: head, poll

pow

2 of 4

noun (2)

ˈpau̇ 

: a sound of a blow or explosion

POW

3 of 4

noun (3)

ˌpē-(ˌ)ō-ˈdə-bəl-(ˌ)yü 

-bə-(ˌ)yü;

-ˈdəb-(ˌ)yü

: prisoner of war

POW

4 of 4

abbreviation

Powassan (virus)

According to a Center for Disease Control spokeswoman, POW virus can infect the central nervous system and cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

—Rick Murphy

There is no specific treatment, but people with severe POW virus illnesses often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids, or medications to reduce swelling in the brain.

—Kathryn Gallerani

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of poll

Noun (2)

imitative

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1918, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

POW

noun

ˌpē-ˌō-ˈdəb-əl-(ˌ)yü 

: prisoner of war

Medical Definition

POW

abbreviation

Powassan (virus)

According to a Center for Disease Control spokeswoman, POW virus can infect the central nervous system and cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

—Rick Murphy

There is no specific treatment, but people with severe POW virus illnesses often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids, or medications to reduce swelling in the brain.

—Kathryn Gallerani