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infectious disease
noun
: a disease (such as influenza, malaria, meningitis, rabies, or tetanus) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there compare communicable disease, contagious disease
Examples of infectious disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
New rapid diagnostics first identify the organism so that AI infectious disease platforms can then recommend the best antibiotic regimen for an individual patient.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
These tumor cells can spread from one individual to another, like an infectious disease.
—Bychristie Wilcox, science.org, 17 Sep. 2024
Here’s what to keep in mind when planning out your fall vaccine schedule after a recent COVID infection, according to infectious disease doctors and a pharmacist.
—Korin Miller, Health, 17 Sep. 2024
That’s the viral strain behind this new outbreak, and why infectious disease scientists are so alarmed.
—David Cox, WIRED, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for infectious disease
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infectious disease.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1600, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of infectious disease was
in 1600
Dictionary Entries Near infectious disease
Cite this Entry
“Infectious disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infectious%20disease. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
infectious disease
noun
: a disease caused by the presence, growth, and increase in numbers of germs in the body
Medical Definition
infectious disease
noun
: a disease (as influenza, malaria, meningitis, rabies, or tetanus) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there compare communicable disease, contagious disease
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