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