i Register
In some senses, infectious is marked as informal. Watch for register when choosing this word.
infectious
/ɪnˈfɛk.ʃəs/
adj 4
Collocations
3(adj.)
VERBS
be, remain
ADV
highly, very | potentially
Definitions
adj
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-bo
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.
I doubt that [saliva] is very infectious ... I don't think this is a normal route of transmission.
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.
Pop music is more infectious than elevator music.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adjective — caused by infection or capable of causing infection
Antonyms
- noninfectious
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
Cancer is usually not infectious.
Wiktionary02
More infectious diseases like the flu are usually less potent.
Wiktionary03
Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious.
Wiktionary04
The infectious case was isolated from other patients.
Tatoeba · #4483905
Mumps is an infectious disease.
Tatoeba · #6500206
His infectious humor stimulated applause.
Tatoeba · #285449Usage Notes
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