Definition

A substance or agent that can cause a disease to spread from one person or organism to another.

Example

The doctor explained how the contagium could be transmitted through direct contact.

Conversation

Have you heard about the latest outbreak of that disease?

Yeah, I read that they found the contagium causing it.

It's crazy how quickly these things can spread.

I know! We really need to be careful and stay informed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contagium is derived from "con-" (meaning together) and "tangere" (meaning to touch). The term originally referred to something that is transmitted by touch, particularly in the context of diseases.

Memory Tip

Think of 'touching together' — 'con-' means together, and 'tangere' means to touch, which helps you remember that contagium refers to something that spreads through contact.

Visually Confused Words