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Webster 1913 Edition


Contagious

Con-ta′gious

,
Adj.
[L.
contagiosus
: cf. F.
contagieux
.]
1.
(Med.)
Communicable by contact, by a virus, or by a bodily exhalation; catching;
as, a
contagious
disease
.
2.
Conveying or generating disease; pestilential; poisonous;
as,
contagious
air
.
3.
Spreading or communicable from one to another; exciting similar emotions or conduct in others.
His genius rendered his courage more
contagious
.
Wirt.

Webster 1828 Edition


Contagious

CONTAGIOUS

,
Adj.
1.
Containing or generating contagion; catching; that may be communicated by contact, or by a subtil excreted matter; as a contagious disease.
2.
Poisonous; pestilential; containing contagion; as contagious air; contagious clothing.
3.
Containing mischief that may be propagated; as contagious example.
4.
That may be communicated from one to another, or may excite like affections in others.
His genius rendered his courage more contagious.

Definition 2024


contagious

contagious

English

Adjective

contagious (comparative more contagious, superlative most contagious)

  1. Of a disease, easily transmitted to others.
    The flu was so contagious that everybody in town got sick!
  2. Of a fashion, laughter, etc., easily passed on to others.
    Wearing jeans was a contagious fad at that time.
  3. Of a person, having a disease that can be transmitted to another person by touch.
    They were highly contagious, spreading bacteria to other people.

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