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.
