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Definition of "pax" [pax]

  • Ecclesiastical A small flat tablet adorned with a sacred image that worshippers kiss when offered the kiss of peace. (noun)
  • Ecclesiastical The kiss of peace. (noun)
  • A time of wide-ranging stability when there is only a single dominant power. Used with a Latinized name: "Editorials lauding the civilizing influence of Pax Britannica were met with ... a crushing disinterest from most of the public” ( Nisid Hajari). (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "pax" in a sentence
  • "Center, otherwise known as a "pax" terminal pax is short for passengers."
  • "The X and P combined are similar to the Latin word pax, meaning peace."
  • "Suddenly Anthea said, 'Oh! let it be "pax" -- poor little Pussy -- you know she's the youngest.'"