infectious

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   easily spread

   fear is exceedingly infectious

2. 2
   adj

   of or relating to infection

   infectious hospital

3. 3
   adj

   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).

   Cancer is usually not infectious.

4. 4
   adj

   Able to infect others; capable of transmitting pathogens.

   Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious.

5. 5
   adj

   Spreading quickly from one person to another.

   infectious smile

6. 6
   adj

   Memorable and invoking excitement or interest.

   Pop music is more infectious than elevator music.

7. 7
   adj

   caused by infection or capable of causing infection

Etymology

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