infectious disease

American  

[in-fek-shuhs di-zeez] / ɪnˈfɛk ʃəs dɪˈziz /

noun

1. a disease caused by a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism, and often spreading by contact between individuals or by a vector such as an insect: ID

   Chicken pox and cholera are infectious diseases.

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infectious disease Scientific  

1. A disease caused by a microorganism or other agent, such as a bacterium, fungus, or virus, that enters the body of an organism.

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Etymology

Origin of infectious disease

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

These included initiatives addressing pandemic preparedness and outbreak response, health security, and infectious disease treatment.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

“The burden of infectious disease around the world continues to be high and in many cases growing,” Skovronsky said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Other than measles, which is preventable, the U.S. is not the center of any major infectious disease outbreaks.

From Salon • May 20, 2026

Public health and infectious disease specialists will assess whether the individuals are then able to self-isolate at home for up to 45 days, or whether another location should be arranged.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Both involved quarantines—the practice of isolating someone with a highly infectious disease from the healthy population.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French