infection
n.-
1 the process of becoming sick (n.) B1 Intermediate Medicinethe act of germs or bacteria entering a person's body and starting to grow.
the process by which a pathogen invades a host organism and begins to multiply.
ExampleThe doctor cleaned the wound carefully to prevent an infection from starting.
ExamplePublic health officials focused on the primary infection route, which appeared to be contaminated water sources in the rural districts.
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2 an illness (n.) B1 Intermediate Medicinea disease or sickness caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs.
a disease state resulting from the presence and activity of a pathogenic agent.
ExampleShe had a throat infection and had to stay home from work for three days.
ExampleThe patient was diagnosed with a secondary bacterial infection following a severe bout of seasonal influenza.
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3 physical signs of disease (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicinea visible sign of a disease, such as redness or swelling around a cut.
the physical manifestation or site of a pathogenic presence, often characterized by inflammation or suppuration.
ExampleThe nurse noticed a small infection around the stitches on his arm.
ExampleThe surgeon examined the site for signs of localized infection, noting the absence of redness or discharge during the follow-up appointment.
From Old French infection, from Late Latin īnfectiō. Equivalent to infect + -ion.