contagium
[kuh n-tey-juh m, -jee-uh m]
- the causative agent of a contagious or infectious disease, as a virus.
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Origin of contagium
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for contagium
Historical Examples
He then sought to determine how the contagium maintained its vitality.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2John Tyndall
Thus the theory of contagium vivum, for which Henle contended as early as 1821, was not forgotten.
An Epitome of the History of MedicineRoswell Park
It does not follow that the contagium is the sole cause in every case in which it is present.
Special Report on Diseases of CattleU.S. Department of Agriculture
Nevertheless Kircher (mentioned already) is usually given undeserved credit for the contagium vivum theory.
The Fundamentals of BacteriologyCharles Bradfield Morrey
Indeed, Oznam, in 1820, said it was no use to waste time in refuting hypotheses as to the animal nature of contagium.
The Fundamentals of BacteriologyCharles Bradfield Morrey
contagium
- pathol the specific virus or other direct cause of any infectious disease
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin, variant of contāgiō contagion
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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contagium
(kən-tā′jəm)- The causative agent of a communicable disease; contagion.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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