infectious disease

noun

: a disease (such as influenza, malaria, meningitis, rabies, or tetanus) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there compare communicable disease, contagious disease

Examples of infectious disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some infectious disease experts say that the true number is likely much higher. —Jennifer Berry Hawes, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

The shakeup in leadership at the nation's top public health agency comes amid widespread criticism by medical organizations and public health groups over the past year over how the CDC has handled major infectious disease outbreaks, changes to the childhood vaccine schedule and funding cuts. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

Previously, a doctor would consult an infectious disease specialist—a process that can take between 24 and 48 hours. —Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 Feb. 2026

Because measles is what researchers call a high-consequence infectious disease, health-care professionals undertake a series of strict protocols to limit its spread. —Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for infectious disease

• idiosyncrasies
• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes

Kids Definition

infectious disease

noun

: a disease caused by the presence, growth, and increase in numbers of germs in the body

Medical Definition

infectious disease

noun

: a disease (as influenza, malaria, meningitis, rabies, or tetanus) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there compare communicable disease, contagious disease