infectious

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɛkʃəs/

adjective

  • 1(of a disease or disease-causing organism) liable to be transmitted to people, organisms, etc. through the environment: outbreaks of infectious diseases was polyneuritis infectious? a highly infectious virus
  • liable to spread infection: the dogs may still be infectious
  • 2likely to spread or influence others in a rapid manner: a loud infectious laugh her enthusiasm is infectious

Derivatives

infectiously

adverb

infectiousness

noun

On the differences in meaning between infectious and contagious, see contagious (usage).