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Infectious vs Toxic - What's the difference?

infectious | toxic |

As adjectives the difference between infectious and toxic

is that infectious is transmitted from one person to another, usually through the air breathed while toxic is having a chemical nature that is harmful to health or lethal if consumed or otherwise entering into the body in sufficient quantities.

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

    *

    toxic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (toxicology) Having a chemical nature that is harmful to health or lethal if consumed or otherwise entering into the body in sufficient quantities.

    • Synonyms

    * poisonous * venomous

    Related terms

    * cytotoxic * toxicity * toxic shock * toxin

    References

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