What does transmissible mean?
The term transmissible refers to the ability of something, often a disease or condition, to be transmitted or spread from one person, animal, or thing to another. This can occur through various means, such as direct contact, airborne transmission, or vectors like insects. Transmissible diseases are a major public health concern, as they can spread rapidly and have significant impacts on communities. Understanding the transmissible nature of a disease is crucial for developing effective prevention and control measures, such as vaccination efforts or quarantine protocols. The term is also used more broadly to describe ideas or information that can be spread or passed on.
adjectiveCapable of being transmitted or spread from one person, animal, or thing to another. Often used to describe diseases or conditions that can be passed on.
- Capable of being transmitted
- Easily spread or passed on
"The highly transmissible virus spread rapidly through the population, prompting widespread vaccination efforts."
"The transmissible nature of the disease made it a major public health concern."
"The new strain of the virus was found to be highly transmissible, even among vaccinated individuals."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of transmissible
The word transmissible originates from the Latin words 'trans', meaning 'across' or 'through', and 'missus', meaning 'to send'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe things that can be sent or transmitted. In the context of disease, the term transmissible has been used since the 17th century to describe conditions that can be spread from one person to another.
Usage notes
Often used in medical and scientific contexts to describe diseases or conditions. Can also be used more broadly to describe ideas or information that can be spread or passed on.