contagium

noun

con·ta·gium kən-ˈtā-j(ē-)əm

plural contagia kən-ˈtā-j(ē-)ə

Synonyms of contagium next

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: an agent capable of causing a communicable disease

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contāgium, variant of contāgiō "contact, contagion"

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of contagium was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Contagium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contagium. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

contagium

noun

con·ta·gium kən-ˈtā-j(ē-)əm

plural contagia -j(ē-)ə

: a virus or living organism capable of causing a communicable disease

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