infectious

[ in-fek-shuhs ]
/ ɪnˈfɛk ʃəs /

adjective

communicable by infection, as from one person to another or from one part of the body to another: infectious diseases.
causing or communicating infection.
tending to spread from one to another: infectious laughter.
Law. capable of contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure or forfeiture.
Obsolete. diseased.

Origin of infectious

First recorded in 1535–45; infect(ion) + -ious

synonym study for infectious

1. See contagious.

OTHER WORDS FROM infectious

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH infectious

contagious infectious (see synonym study at contagious)

Example sentences from the Web for infectious

British Dictionary definitions for infectious

infectious
/ (ɪnˈfɛkʃəs) /

adjective

(of a disease) capable of being transmitted Compare contagious
(of a disease) caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoa
causing or transmitting infection
tending or apt to spread, as from one person to another infectious mirth
international law
  1. tainting or capable of tainting with illegality
  2. rendering liable to seizure or forfeiture

Derived forms of infectious

infectiously, adverb infectiousness, noun

Medical definitions for infectious

infectious
[ ĭn-fĕkshəs ]

adj.

Capable of causing infection.
Caused by or capable of being transmitted by infection.
Caused by a pathogenic microorganism or agent.

Other words from infectious

in•fectious•ness n.

Scientific definitions for infectious

infectious
[ ĭn-fĕkshəs ]

Capable of causing infection. See Note at contagious.