— infectiously , adv. — infectiousness , n.
/in fek"sheuhs/ , adj.
1. communicable by infection, as from one person to another or from one part of the body to another: infectious diseases.
2. causing or communicating infection.
3. tending to spread from one to another: infectious laughter.
4. Law. capable of contaminating with illegality; exposing to seizure or forfeiture.
5. Obs. diseased.
[ 1535-45; INFECT(ION) + -IOUS ]
Syn. 1. catching. See contagious .