SG Heritage Dictionary

Contagion [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. Literally, a touch or touching. Hence, the communication of a disease by contact, or the matter communicated. More generally, that subtil matter which proceeds from a diseased person or body, and communicates the disease to another person; as in cases of small pox, measles, anginas, and malignant fevers; diseases which are communicated without contact. This contagion proceeds from the breath of the diseased, from the perspiration of other excretions.

2. That which communicates evil from one to another; infection; that which propagates mischief; as the contagion of vice or of evil examples.

3. Pestilence; a pestilential disease; venomous exhalations.

Contagion [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. The transmission of a disease from one person to another, by direct or indirect contact.

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.

4. Venom; poison.

Contagioned [Adjective] Webster's Dictionary 1913

Affected by contagion.

Contagionist [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

One who believes in the contagious character of certain diseases, as of yellow fever.