infeccioso
“infeccioso” means “infectious” in Spanish (relating to disease transmission).
infectious
Also: contagious
📝 In Action
La gripe es un virus muy infeccioso.
A2The flu is a very infectious virus.
Es importante separar los residuos infecciosos del hospital.
B1It is important to separate the hospital's infectious waste.
Muchos agentes infecciosos se transmiten por el aire.
B2Many infectious agents are transmitted through the air.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: infeccioso
Question 1 of 3
How would you describe a 'feminine' infectious disease (enfermedad)?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'infectio' which meant 'to dye' or 'to corrupt,' plus a suffix meaning 'full of.'
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'infeccioso' the same as 'contagioso'?
They are very similar! In biology, 'infeccioso' relates to the germ's ability to enter the body, while 'contagioso' refers to how easily it passes from person to person. In daily speech, they are often used interchangeably.
Can I use 'infeccioso' for a person's personality?
It is better to use 'contagioso' for things like energy, laughter, or a mood. 'Infeccioso' usually sounds strictly medical.
How do I make 'infeccioso' plural?
Simply add an 's' to the end: 'infecciosos' (masculine plural) or 'infecciosas' (feminine plural).