infective

adjective

in·​fec·​tive in-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce infective (audio)
a
: producing or capable of producing or transmitting infection
infective oocysts are ingested with contaminated feed or water.Douglas N. Stern
Affected cats not yet showing signs of illness may shed the virus and be infective to other cats …Cat Fancy
b
: caused by or resulting from an infection with one or more pathogenic agents
infective bacterial endocarditis
c
: affecting others : spreading easily to others
Different teachers will demonstrate different skills and strengths. Some will have … an infective enthusiasm for their own subject.Jonathan Glazzard et al.

Examples of infective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Handling of the raw fish can also deliver the infective larva to the intestinal system. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2011 People typically get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2023 The parasite becomes infective one to five days after it is passed in the feces of the cat. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Aug. 2023 Symptoms usually appear seven to 30 days after an infective bite and include high fever, chills, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting, Maryland health department officials said. Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023 Alternatively, if raccoons occupy chimneys, infective feces can settle within and around fireplaces, contaminating the home. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2012 Malaria is a serious disease transmitted through the bite of an infective female anopheline mosquito, according to the CDC. Jane Onyanga-Omara Julius Lasin usa Today, USA TODAY, 27 June 2023 Specifically, the agencies test for enterococcus, a bacteria that is a common cause of infections, including UTIs, bacteremia and infective endocarditis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Margaret Kates | Mkates@al.com, al, 21 June 2023 That infective ambiance might have been enough to propel a less pointed novel about pregnancy. Talya Zax, Washington Post, 13 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'infective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English infectif "causing disease, infectious," borrowed from Medieval Latin infectīvus "infectious, poisonous" (Latin, "used for dyeing"), from Latin infectus, past participle of inficere "to dye, discolor, taint, contaminate with disease" + -īvus -ive — more at infect

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of infective was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near infective

Cite this Entry

“Infective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infective. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

infective

adjective
in·​fec·​tive in-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce infective (audio)
: producing or able to produce infection
infectivity noun

Medical Definition

infective

adjective
in·​fec·​tive in-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce infective (audio)
a
: producing or capable of producing or transmitting infection
infective oocysts are ingested with contaminated feed or water.Douglas N. Stern
… a strain of bacteria which forms spores that can remain infective for as long as fifty years.Sue Hubbell
Affected cats not yet showing signs of illness may shed the virus and be infective to other cats …Cat Fancy
b
: caused by or resulting from an infection with one or more pathogenic agents
infective bacterial endocarditis

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