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 have lauded the effort. —Katie Silver, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026

Despite setbacks, many scientists believe mRNA vaccines will not only help control infectious disease but also improve cancer treatment. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026

Their use has been particularly widespread in global health, infectious disease research, and to support international clinical trial networks for rare cancers and genetic diseases. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026

After hours cooling his heels, Kornev is then informed that Stepniak is ill with an infectious disease — come back another time. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 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