contagion

con·ta·gion

noun \kən-ˈtā-jən\

Definition of CONTAGION

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

Examples of CONTAGION

1. a disease that spreads by contagion
2. People have been warned to keep out of the area to avoid contagion.

Origin of CONTAGION

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with CONTAGION

Pelagian, reagin

con·ta·gion

noun \kən-ˈtā-jən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CONTAGION

1

: the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact

2

: contagious disease

3

: a disease-producing agent (as a virus)