First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
contagion
noun con·ta·gion \kən-ˈtā-jən\
: the process by which a disease is passed from one person or animal to another by touching
: a disease that can be passed from one person or animal to another by touching : a contagious disease
Full Definition of CONTAGION
1
a : a contagious disease b : the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact c : a disease-producing agent (as a virus)
2
3
a : rapid communication of an influence (as a doctrine or emotional state) b : an influence that spreads rapidly
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Origin of CONTAGION
Middle English, from Latin contagion-, contagio, from contingere to have contact with, pollute — more at contingent
Other Medicine Terms
CONTAGION Defined for Kids
contagion
noun con·ta·gion \kən-ˈtā-jən\
Definition of CONTAGION for Kids
1
: the passing of a disease from one individual to another as a result of some contact between them
2
: a contagious disease
Medical Dictionary
contagion
noun con·ta·gion \kən-ˈtā-jən\
Medical Definition of CONTAGION
1
: the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact
3
: a disease-producing agent (as a virus)
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