Definition

The quality or state of being able to spread disease or infection to others.

Example

The infectiousness of the virus made it difficult to control its spread.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new virus going around?

Yeah, I read that its infectiousness is really high!

That sounds pretty scary, especially with flu season coming up.

I know, we should definitely be careful and wash our hands more often.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Infectiousness → It is formed from "infectious" (from Latin "infectiosus", meaning causing infection) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "infectiousness" refers to the quality of being able to cause infection.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'infectious' which means causing infection, and remember that 'infectiousness' describes the quality of being able to spread that infection.

Visually Confused Words