Main Entry: trans·fec·tion

Pronunciation: \tran(t)s-ˈfek-shən, tranz-\

Function: noun

Etymology: trans- + infection

Date: 1964

: infection of a cell with isolated viral nucleic acid followed by production of the complete virus in the cell; also : the incorporation of exogenous DNA into a cell

— trans·fect \-ˈfekt\ transitive verb