French word

infection

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃fɛksjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninfection

Example

Cette infection est légère.

This infection is mild.

Illustration for infection (infection)

More examples

Il y a un risque d'infection après l'opération.

There is a risk of infection after the operation.

Core concept

A host containing a growing microbial presence that may remain unnoticed.

Common phrases

  • infection bactérienne

    bacterial infection

  • risque d'infection

    risk of infection

  • traitement de l'infection

    treatment for infection

Similar words

contamination: The attachment of microbes or harmful substances to an object or body surface.
contagion: Person-to-person transmission of an infectious disease or pathogen.
maladie: A state of abnormal bodily function accompanied by symptoms or discomfort.
microbe: A tiny living organism that may or may not cause disease.

Definition in French

Présence et multiplication d'un micro-organisme dans un organisme hôte, parfois sans symptômes visibles.

Word origin

The French noun infection continues Latin infectio, formed from inficere, a verb meaning to infect or stain.

Usage tips

  • The phrase être infecté(e) describes an infected state and does not by itself indicate whether symptoms are present.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word