Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Infectious
In-fec′tious
,Adj.
[Cf. F.
infectieux
.] 1.
Having qualities that may infect; communicable or caused by infection; pestilential; epidemic;
as, an
infectious
fever; infectious
clothing; infectious
water; infectious
vices.Where the
infectious
pestilence. Shakespeare
2.
Corrupting, or tending to corrupt or contaminate; vitiating; demoralizing.
It [the court] is necessary for the polishing of manners . . . but it is
infectious
even to the best morals to live always in it. Dryden.
3.
(Law)
Contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture.
Contraband articles are said to be of an
infectious
nature. Kent.
4.
Capable of being easily diffused or spread; sympathetic; readily communicated;
as,
. infectious
mirth
Syn. – See
Contagious
. Webster 1828 Edition
Infectious
INFEC'TIOUS
,Adj.
1.
Corrupting; tending to taint by communication; as infectious vices or manners.2.
Contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure and forfeiture. Contraband articles are said to be of an infectious nature.
3.
Capable of being communicated by near approach. Grief as well as joy is infectious.
Definition 2024
infectious
infectious
English
Adjective
infectious (comparative more infectious, superlative most infectious)
- (pathology, of an illness) Transmitted from one person to another, usually through the air breathed.
- Cancer is not infectious.
- More infectious diseases like the flu are usually less potent.
- (pathology, of a person) Able to infect others.
- Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious.
- (of feelings and behaviour) Spreading quickly from one person to another.
- Her enthusiasm for work can be really infectious.
- (informal) Memorable and invoking excitement or interest.
- Pop music is more infectious than elevator music.
Synonyms
- (transmitted between persons as illness): catching, contagious
- (able to infect others): contagious
- (spreading quickly between persons): contagious
- (memorable and exciting): catchy, contagious
Derived terms
- infection
- toxicoinfectious
Translations
transmitted between persons as illness
|
able to infect others
|
|
spreading quickly between persons
informal: memorable and invoking excitement or interest