Infect
Infect
Infect (/ɪnˈfɛkt/), from the Latin infectus, meaning to taint or corrupt, is a term used in medicine to describe the process by which organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, invade and multiply in the body, often causing disease.
Definition
To infect is to contaminate or pollute (a person, organ, wound, etc.) with harmful or pathogenic organisms. The organisms, or pathogens, may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The body's immune system typically responds to infection by trying to eliminate the pathogens and repair any damage they have caused.
Related Terms
- Pathogen: A microorganism that can cause disease.
- Bacteria: Single-celled organisms that can cause infection.
- Virus: A type of pathogen that invades cells in order to multiply.
- Fungi: A group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Some types can cause infection.
- Parasite: An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
- Immune System: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
Etymology
The term infect comes from the Latin infectus, which means to taint or corrupt. It was first used in English in the 14th century to describe the contamination of a wound or person with disease-causing organisms.
Pronunciation
Infect is pronounced as /ɪnˈfɛkt/.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infect
- Wikipedia's article - Infect
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