Pronunciation: [ɪnfˈɛktəbə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "infectible" is spelled with the letters "i-n-f-e-c-t-i-b-l-e". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ɪnˈfɛktəbəl/. The stress in the word falls on the second syllable, while the "e" after "c" is pronounced as "eh". This word means capable of being infected, as in a contagious disease. Proper spelling is important in both written and verbal communication to convey accurate meaning and prevent confusion.
Infectible is an adjective that refers to the capability or susceptibility of being infected. It signifies the quality or state of being able to contract a disease or become affected by a pathogenic organism. This term is commonly used in the medical field and epidemiology to describe individuals, organisms, or even materials that have the potential to become infected.
Being infectible means being vulnerable to the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which can elicit detrimental effects on the host's health. It implies lacking immunity or protective mechanisms against infectious agents that could potentially harm or disrupt the normal functioning of the body.
In the context of outbreaks or epidemics, understanding which populations or areas are infectible is crucial for implementing appropriate preventative measures, such as widespread vaccination campaigns or quarantine protocols, to control the spread of diseases. This knowledge aids in identifying and prioritizing at-risk groups who are more susceptible to acquiring and transmitting infections.
Additionally, the term infectible can extend beyond living organisms to encompass objects or surfaces that can act as reservoirs or vectors for infectious agents. For example, a contaminated needle or a contaminated surface can be considered infectible as they possess the potential to transmit infections to individuals who come into contact with them.
Overall, the concept of infectibility is essential in the field of healthcare as it helps guide strategies and interventions aimed at preventing and managing the transmission of infectious diseases.
Capable of being infected.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word infectible is derived from the base word infect which comes from the Latin word inficere. Inficere combines the prefix in- meaning into, in, on and the verb facere meaning to make, do. Inficere originally meant to put in, dip into, but later developed the specific sense of to stain, pollute, defile. Over time, the word infect has taken on the specific meaning of to contaminate or transmit a disease to, which gave rise to the adjective infectible.
