infection

(ĭn-fĕkˈshən)

1. a. Invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in a bodily part or tissue, which may produce subsequent tissue injury and progress to overt disease through a variety of cellular or toxic mechanisms.
   b. An instance of being infected.
   c. An agent or a contaminated substance responsible for one's becoming infected.
   d. The pathological state resulting from having been infected.
2. An infectious disease.
3. a. Moral contamination or corruption.
   b. Ready communication of an emotion or attitude by contact or example.