reinfection

noun

re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-in-ˈfek-shən 

: infection following recovery from or superimposed on infection of the same type

reinfect

ˌrē-in-ˈfekt 

transitive verb

Examples of reinfection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new study, however, also looked into when the drop in antibodies increases the risk of reinfection—and sometimes that may not occur in three months. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024

Wash any fabric items that have been in contact with someone suffering from lice, poison ivy or oak, pinkeye, ringworm, etc. frequently in hot water to prevent them from spreading or causing reinfection. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024

And each reinfection is a fresh opportunity for the virus to win the battle. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Sep. 2024

By age 20, about 50 percent of people have been infected and have antibodies that can help fight reinfection. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reinfection

noun

re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-ən-ˈfek-shən 

: infection following recovery from another infection of the same kind

reinfect

ˌre-ən-ˈfekt

verb

Medical Definition

reinfection

noun

re·​in·​fec·​tion ˌrē-in-ˈfek-shən 

: infection following recovery from or superimposed on a previous infection of the same type

rescreening aimed at detecting reinfection following treatment

—Diana Mahoney

reinfect

-ˈfekt 

transitive verb