Transmissible: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a broader but still scientific or medical sense similar to 'transmissible.'

• Certain genetic conditions are transmissible from parents to children

Describes diseases caused by pathogens that can enter the body and cause illness. Can also refer to something that can spread quickly, like enthusiasm.

• Tuberculosis is an infectious disease

Usually refers to diseases that easily spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact.

• Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease

Commonly used in a general sense to describe anything that can be spread, not necessarily limited to diseases.

• Rumors can be very spreadable

Used in formal or scientific situations to describe something, often a disease or infection, that can be transmitted from one person to another.

• The virus is highly transmissible between humans
• Researchers are studying how transmissible the new variant is

Often used in medical or public health contexts to describe diseases that can be spread from one person to another through various means, like direct contact or airborne transmission.

• Tuberculosis is a communicable disease
• Public health officials are working to prevent the spread of communicable diseases

Used in everyday language to describe diseases or infections that are easily spread from one person to another, sometimes rapidly. Can also describe behaviors or emotions that spread quickly among people.

• The flu is particularly contagious this winter
• Her laughter was contagious, and soon everyone was laughing

Used to describe something that can be crossed or navigated, like a road or path. It can also be used informally to describe performance or quality that is just adequate or satisfactory.

• The mountain pass is only passable in the summer months
• His performance on the test was passable but could definitely be improved