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contagiosity

 - 4 dictionary results

con⋅ta⋅gious

  [kuhn-tey-juhs]
Use contagiosity in a Sentence
–adjective
1. capable of being transmitted by bodily contact with an infected person or object: contagious diseases.
2. carrying or spreading a contagious disease.
3. tending to spread from person to person: contagious laughter.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < LL contāgiōsus, equiv. to contāgi(ō) contagion + -ōsus -ous

Related forms:
con⋅ta⋅gious⋅ly, adverb
con⋅ta⋅gious⋅ness, con⋅ta⋅gi⋅os⋅i⋅ty  [kuhn-tey-jee-os-i-tee] , noun

Synonyms:
1. Contagious, infectious are usually distinguished in technical medical use. Contagious, literally “communicable by contact,” describes a very easily transmitted disease as influenza or the common cold. Infectious refers to a disease involving a microorganism that can be transmitted from one person to another only by a specific kind of contact; venereal diseases are usually infectious. In nontechnical senses, contagious emphasizes the rapidity with which something spreads: Contagious laughter ran through the hall. Infectious suggests the pleasantly irresistible quality of something: Her infectious good humor made her a popular guest.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

contagious 
c.1374, from O.Fr. contagieus, from L.L. contagiosus, from contingere "touch closely" (see contact).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: con·ta·gious
Pronunciation: -j&s
Function: adjective
1 : communicable by contact contagious stage> —compare INFECTIOUS 2
2 : bearing contagion contagious long before they are aware of the presence of their disease —Journal of the American Medical Association>
3 : used for contagious diseasescontagious ward> —con·ta·gious·ly adverb —con·ta·gious·ness noun
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

contagious con·ta·gious (kən-tā'jəs)
adj.

  1. Of or relating to contagion.

  2. Transmissible by direct or indirect contact; communicable.

  3. Capable of transmitting disease; carrying a disease.

con·ta'gious·ness n.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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