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

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

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