infectious

in·fec·tious

adj \in-ˈfek-shəs\

Definition of INFECTIOUS

1

: capable of causing infection <a carrier remains infectious without exhibiting signs of disease> <viruses and other infectious agents>

2

: communicable by invasion of the body of a susceptible organism <all contagious diseases are also infectious, but it does not follow that all infectious diseases are contagious—W. A. Hagan>—compare contagious 1

—in·fec·tious·ly adverb

—in·fec·tious·ness noun