infected

adjective

in·​fect·​ed in-ˈfek-təd How to pronounce infected (audio)
: having an infection : contaminated with an infective agent (such as a bacterium or virus)
an infected wound
Through a number of different means, these viruses persist at very low, hard-to-detect levels in infected cells.The Journal of the American Medical Association
She explains that leptospirosis bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals.Tania Banak
The fungus produces as many as 1 million conidia per square centimeter of infected leaf surface.G. B. Lucas

Examples of infected in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Each year, about 100,000 to 300,000 people become infected with Lassa fever in West Africa, where the disease is endemic, according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy at the University of Minnesota. Jen Christensen, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 The bacteria is often spread to humans after consuming infected animal products or by ingesting produce grown using infected water. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024 Cases are increasing in the West The virus is continuing to spread from infected birds and cows to people, however. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024 Human infections typically occur when the virus is inhaled or gets into the eyes, nose or mouth, and usually that is after prolonged exposure to infected birds, per the CDC. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infected 

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of infect

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of infected was in 1534

Dictionary Entries Near infected

Cite this Entry

“Infected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infected. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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