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Infective: meaning, definitions and examples

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infective

 

[ ɪnˈfɛktɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical term

Infective refers to something that can cause infection, particularly in the context of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This term is often used to describe agents that can lead to disease transmission.

Synonyms

communicable, contagious, infectious

Examples of usage

  • The infective agent was identified as a strain of virus.
  • Infective diseases can spread rapidly in crowded areas.
  • Proper hygiene helps to prevent infective outbreaks.
  • Vaccination is crucial in controlling infective diseases.

Word origin

The term 'infective' is derived from the Latin root 'infectus', which means 'to stain or taint'. The prefix 'in-' indicates a negative or involutive effect, while 'fectus' comes from 'facere', meaning 'to make' or 'to do'. This classification began to be used primarily in medical contexts to discuss the nature of bacteria or viruses that could induce disease in hosts. The usage of 'infective' gained more traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as germ theory evolved, distinguishing between different types of pathogens and their ability to cause infections. With advancements in microbiology, the understanding of infective agents became crucial to public health, leading to preventative measures and treatments to combat various infectious diseases. Today, 'infective' is widely used in medical literature and discussions related to pathology and epidemiology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,293, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.