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

See Examples For:

infectious disease

Dr. Trahern W. Jones, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Utah, said the outbreak was no accident: “This outbreak is the product of years of miscommunication and misinformation.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 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

Thrust back into the front line by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, infectious disease experts have to balance informing the public about its potential risks without provoking undue fear of a Covid-scale pandemic.

From Barron's ● May 13, 2026

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

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

If someone was gravely ill with an infectious disease such as TB, malaria, or typhoid, the patient would be sent to the clinic, Bon Sauveur, that he and Père Lafontant were building in Cange.

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