Contagion \Con*ta"gion\, n. [L. contagio: cf. F. contagion. See Contact.]

1. (Med.) The transmission of a disease from one person to another, by direct or indirect contact.

Note: The term has been applied by some to the action of miasmata arising from dead animal or vegetable matter, bogs, fens, etc., but in this sense it is now abandoned. --Dunglison.

And will he steal out of his wholesome bed To dare the vile contagion of the night? --Shak.

2. That which serves as a medium or agency to transmit disease; a virus produced by, or exhalation proceeding from, a diseased person, and capable of reproducing the disease.

3. The act or means of communicating any influence to the mind or heart; as, the contagion of enthusiasm. ``The contagion of example.'' --Eikon Basilike.

When lust . . . Lets in defilement to the inward parts, The soul grows clotted by contagion. --Milton.

4. Venom; poison. [Obs.]

``I'll touch my point with this contagion.'' --Shak.

Syn: See Infection.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)