Definition of: infection

(in·fek′shən) noun
1. The act of infecting, as with disease, attitude, mood, ideas, etc.
2. Communication of disease, as by entrance of pathogenic germs into an organism in any manner.
3. Any diseased condition so produced.
4. The instilation of a quality, usually evil, by influence or communication.
5. Law Taint of illegality.
6. That which infects; especially, infectious morbific matter.
7. Rare Liking; affection: in humorous use. See synonyms under CONTAGION. [<F]
—focal infection A bacterial infection localized in certain body tissues, as the tonsils or a tooth, from which toxins are sent to other areas.