INFECTIOUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "infectious" describes something that has the ability to spread or transmit a disease, illness, or infection from one person, animal, or organism to another. It refers to the contagious nature of a condition, implying that it can be easily transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Infectious diseases are often caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that invade the body and rapidly multiply, leading to harm and potentially severe health consequences.
In a broader sense, "infectious" can be used to describe any type of contagious phenomenon that spreads rapidly and affects others. This could include contagious emotions, ideas, or behaviors that quickly and easily influence others. For example, laughter or yawning is sometimes referred to as infectious because seeing or hearing someone else engage in these actions can trigger a similar response in others.
In the medical field, evaluating and categorizing diseases as infectious is crucial for understanding their modes of transmission, developing appropriate treatment strategies, and implementing effective preventive measures. Studying infectious diseases allows healthcare professionals to determine the best approaches for managing outbreaks, developing vaccines, and protecting public health. Overall, the term "infectious" serves as an important descriptor for anything that has the potential to spread and cause harm or influence others.
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1. Capable of being transmitted by infection, with or without actual contact (see contagious). 2. Producing an infection, infective. 3. Noting a disease due to the action of a microorganism, either animal or vegetable.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Having the quality of infecting; contaminating; apt to spread.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for INFECTIOUS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for INFECTIOUS
Etymology of INFECTIOUS
The word infectious has its roots in the Latin word infectus, which means to stain or to infect. The Latin word comes from the combination of the prefix in, meaning in or into, and the verb facere, meaning to do or to make. So, the word infectious literally means to do or make into an infection or to transmit a disease.
Idioms with the word INFECTIOUS
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infectious canine hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral disease that affects dogs, causing inflammation of the liver and other organs.
Similar spelling words for INFECTIOUS
- in focus,
- in effect,
- invective,
- in fact,
- infected,
- infection,
- infective,
- infects,
- ineffective,
- ineffectively,
- infectiously,
- infestation,
- investor.
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