- 1
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.
- More infectious diseases like the flu are usually less potent.
- 2
Able to infect others; capable of transmitting pathogens.
- Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious.
- 3
Spreading quickly from one person to another.
- infectious smile
- Her enthusiasm for work can be really infectious.
- 4
Memorable and invoking excitement or interest.informal
- Pop music is more infectious than elevator music.
ant. non-infectious · noninfectious