01 n. The transmission of a disease from one person to another, by direct or indirect contact.
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1.
The transmission of a disease from one person to another, by direct or indirect contact.(Med.)“And will he steal out of his wholesome bed To dare the vile contagion of the night?” — Shak.
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2.
That which serves as a medium or agency to transmit disease; a virus produced by, or exhalation proceeding from, a diseased person, and capable of reproducing the disease.
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3.
The act or means of communicating any influence to the mind or heart; as, the contagion of enthusiasm.“When lust . . . Lets in defilement to the inward parts, The soul grows clotted by contagion.” — Milton.
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4.
Venom; poison.[Obs.]
Syn.
See Infection.