| 释义 |
in·fec·tion
\ə̇nˈfekshən\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English feccioun, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French infection, from Late Latin infection-, infectio, from Latin infectus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or result of affecting or infecting injuriously:
a. : contamination or pollution of matter (as air or water)
b. : corruption of character, morals, faith, loyalty
< focal point of moral and political infection >
2. : an act or process of infecting
< syphilis infection is chiefly venereal >
also : the establishment of a pathogen in its host after invasion
3. : the state produced by the establishment of an infective agent in or on a suitable host
< hampered by an infection in his foot >
: a contagious or infectious disease
< among the more serious infections of childhood are scarlet fever and meningitis >
4. : an infective agent (as a fungus, bacterium, or virus) : material contaminated with an infective agent and capable of causing disease
5. : the communication of emotions or qualities through example or contact
< from such people … goes forth the infection of goodwill — W.F.Hambly >
< always open to the infection of the holiday mood — Mary Austin >
6. : the subjecting of an entire cargo to forfeiture because of the contraband nature of part of it
7. : the influence on a speech sound of a vowel sound next following or preceding
8. : the acquisition of inductive power by embryonic cells through diffusion from adjacent organizer |