infectious

Definition

Caused by an agent that enters the host's body (such as a bacterium, virus, parasite, or prion); often, also, transmitted among hosts via any of various routes (for example, contact, droplet-borne, airborne, waterborne, foodborne, fomite-borne, or bloodborne).

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin īnfectiōsus. By surface analysis, infect + -ious.

Example Sentences

• "Cancer is usually not infectious."
• "More infectious diseases like the flu are usually less potent."
• "Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious."