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contagion

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

contagion

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 contact3 a: rapid communication of an influence (as a doctrine or emotional state) b: an influence that spreads rapidly

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