Infection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ¦
infection
[ɪnˈfɛkʃən ]
Definitions
medical
The process of infecting or the state of being infected; contamination by germs, viruses, or other harmful organisms.
Synonyms
contagion, contamination, transmission.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infection |
Used when referring to the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms within the body, leading to illness.
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| contamination |
Refers to the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms on surfaces, in food, water, or other environments. Often implies pollution or unclean conditions.
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| transmission |
Focuses on the process by which a disease is spread from one individual to another, typically covering mechanisms like airborne, contact, or vector-borne transmission.
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| contagion |
Emphasizes spreading diseases through direct or indirect contact between individuals, often highlighting its rapid or alarming nature.
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Examples of usage
- Infection can spread rapidly in crowded areas.
- Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial infections.
- The doctor diagnosed her with a viral infection.
general
The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, causing cell injury and disease.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infection |
Used to describe when a disease-causing organism invades the body of a living host, typically referring to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Commonly employed in medical or biological contexts.
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| infestation |
Refers to an unusually large number of insects or animals present in a place, often causing damage or concern. Mostly used in agriculture, pest control, or household contexts.
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| invasion |
Describes an unwelcome entry into an area, often by harmful beings or organisms, extending beyond just biological contexts. It can also mean an aggressive entry by forces into a territory.
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Examples of usage
- An infection in the throat can cause difficulty swallowing.
- Skin infections can result from cuts or wounds.
- Regular hand washing can help prevent the spread of infections.
computing
The unauthorized access and unwanted spread of harmful software or code in a computer system.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infection |
Used in medical contexts to describe the invasion of harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the body. Can also denote the state of being infected.
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| malware |
Used in computing to refer to malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or disable computers and computer systems. Often involves agendas like stealing data, spying, or causing other digital damage.
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| virus |
Can be used in both medical and computing contexts. In medicine, it refers to a microscopic infectious agent that replicates within living hosts. In computing, it refers to a type of malware designed to spread from one computer to another.
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Examples of usage
- The IT department is working to contain the infection in the network.
- Users are advised to update their antivirus software to prevent infections.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Infections can be caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, each requiring different treatments.
- The human body has a sophisticated immune system that fights off infections, using white blood cells to recognize and attack harmful invaders.
- Vaccines help prevent certain types of infections by training the immune system to recognize specific pathogens.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'Contagion' depict the frightening speed at which infections can spread, showcasing global health responses.
- Zombie genres often mythologize infections as a means to turn humans into monsters, reflecting our fears about losing control to disease.
- TV shows often dramatize hospital settings, portraying the struggles and breakthroughs in fighting infections and saving lives.
History
- Infections have shaped human history, with outbreaks like the Black Death in the 14th century killing millions and changing societal structures.
- The discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century revolutionized how infections are treated and greatly reduced mortality rates.
- Smallpox was one of the first diseases to be eradicated through a global vaccination campaign in the 20th century.
Psychology
- The idea of infection can evoke fear or anxiety, leading to what is known as 'health anxiety' in some individuals.
- Public perception of infection risks often influences health behaviors, such as increased vaccinations or adherence to hygiene practices.
- Studies show that witnessing or hearing about infections can alter people's attitudes towards health safety measures.
Origin of 'infection'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'infectio', meaning 'to taint or corrupt', reflecting how germs can affect our health.
- The prefix 'in-' means 'into', and 'flectere' means 'to bend', together suggesting something that intrudes or changes our normal state.
- In the 14th century, 'infection' began being used to describe diseases caused by microorganisms.
The word 'infection' originated from the Latin word 'infectio', meaning 'contamination' or 'defilement'. The concept of infection has been recognized throughout history, with early civilizations attributing diseases to supernatural causes. It wasn't until the development of the germ theory of disease in the 19th century that the understanding of infections shifted towards microorganisms as the primary cause. Today, infections are a common concern in both medical and technological fields, with ongoing efforts to prevent and treat them.
See also: disinfect, disinfectant, disinfection, disinfector, infect, infected, infections, infectious.