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Infectious vs Diffuse - What's the difference?

infectious | diffuse |

As an adjective infectious

is (pathology|of an illness) transmitted from one person to another, usually through the air breathed.

As a verb diffuse is

.

infectious

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (pathology, of an illness) Transmitted from one person to another, usually through the air breathed.
  • Cancer is not infectious .
    More infectious diseases like the flu are usually less potent.
  • (pathology, of a person) Able to infect others.
  • Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious .
  • (of feelings and behaviour) Spreading quickly from one person to another.
  • Her enthusiasm for work can be really infectious .
  • (informal) Memorable and invoking excitement or interest.
  • Pop music is more infectious than elevator music.

    Synonyms

    * (transmitted between persons as illness) catching, contagious * (able to infect others) contagious * (spreading quickly between persons) contagious * (memorable and exciting) catchy, contagious

    Derived terms

    * infection * toxicoinfectious

    Anagrams

    *

    diffuse

    English

    Etymology 1

    (etyl), from (etyl) diffusus, past participle of

    Verb

    (diffus)
  • To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
  • * Whewell
  • We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
  • To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
  • Food coloring diffuses in water.
    The riot diffused quite suddenly.
    Derived terms
    * diffuser

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) diffusus

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
  • Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.
    Derived terms
    * diffusely