Definition

To infect a cell or organism again with a different microorganism after it has already been infected.

Example

The patient was superinfected with a new strain of the virus after the initial infection.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that some viruses can superinfect cells, which sounds pretty scary.

Yeah, that’s wild! It’s like getting hit twice by the same thing.

Exactly! I wonder how scientists deal with that when researching vaccines.

They must have to find ways to prevent the cells from being superinfected all over again.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Superinfect is formed from "super-" (meaning above or over) and "infect" (from Latin "inficere", meaning to taint or stain). The word describes the act of infecting an organism that is already infected, thus tainting it further or in a more severe manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'super-' meaning 'above' or 'over' and 'infect' meaning 'to taint' — this helps you remember that 'superinfect' means to taint something that is already tainted.

Visually Confused Words