Main Entry: con·ta·gion

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈtā-jən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin contagion-, contagio, from contingere to have contact with, pollute — more at contingent

Date: 14th century

1 a : a contagious disease b : the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact c : a disease-producing agent (as a virus)
2 a : poison b : contagious influence, quality, or nature c : corrupting influence or contact
3 a : rapid communication of an influence (as a doctrine or emotional state) b : an influence that spreads rapidly