CONTAGION


Meaning of CONTAGION in English

n.

Pronunciation: k ə n- ' t ā -j ə n

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin contagion-, contagio, from contingere to have contact with, pollute ― more at CONTINGENT

Date: 14th century

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 a : POISON b : contagious influence, quality, or nature c : corrupting influence or contact

3 a : rapid communication of an influence (as a doctrine or emotional state) b : an influence that spreads rapidly

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.