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

“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

As an epidemiologist who knows far too much about infectious disease, I’m still toying with going on a cruise next year with my family.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

In a throw-back to the Covid era, the outbreak has put infectious disease specialists, virologists and epidemiologists back into the news.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

A few years back, Farmer had talked him into training as an infectious disease specialist.

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