Con*ta"gion (-tā"jŭn), n. [L. contagio: cf. F. contagion. See Contact.]
1. (Med.) The transmission of a disease from one person to another, by direct or indirect contact.
&fist; The term has been
applied by some to the action
of miasmata arising from dead animal or vegetable matter, bogs, fens, etc., but in this sense
it is now abandoned. Dunglison.
And will he steal out of
his wholesome bed
To dare
the vile contagion of the night?
Shak.
2. That which serves as a medium or agency to
transmit disease; a virus produced by, or exhalation proceeding
from, a diseased person, and capable of reproducing the disease.
3. The act or means
of communicating any influence to the mind or heart; as, the
contagion of enthusiasm. "The contagion of example." Eikon
Basilike.
When lust . . .
Lets in defilement to the inward parts,
The soul grows clotted by contagion.
Milton.
4. Venom; poison. [Obs.] "I'll touch my point with this contagion."
Shak.
Syn. -- See Infection.
Hear it pronounced