Contagion /(kŏn*tā"jŭn)/

Con·ta·gion

Contagion

n.
  1. The transmission of a disease from one person to another, by direct or indirect contact. (Med.)
    And will he steal out of his wholesome bed To dare the vile contagion of the night?
  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.
    When lust . . . Lets in defilement to the inward parts, The soul grows clotted by contagion.
  4. Venom; poison. [Obs.]