Contagion

kon-tā′jun, n. transmi ion of a disease from the sick to the healthy, either by direct contact of a part affected with the disease, or through the medium of the excretions or exhalations of the body.— n. Contā′gionist , one who believes that certain diseases are contagious.— adj. Contā′gio us , that may be communicated by contact.— adv. Contā′giously .— ns. Contā′giousne ; Contā′gium , the supposed morbific matter by means of which disease spreads.— Contagious Diseases Acts , a series of laws pa ed in 1865 and succeeding years for the better regulation of prostitutes in certain seaport and military towns. [L. contagion-em — con , together, tangĕre , to touch.]