ScienceJuly 30, 2026

transmissibility

trans-mis-uh-BIL-uh-tee

Definition

The degree or quality of a pathogen's ability to be passed from one host to another.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'transmissibilis,' meaning 'that can be sent across,' formed from the prefix 'trans-' (across) and 'mittere' (to send). It entered English in the late 16th century via French to describe the quality of being transferable.

In the news

The article uses the term to highlight that a pathogen's potential impact is largely defined by how easily it can move between people. This distinction is crucial for assessing the danger level of different biological threats.

Could a Single Pathogen Bring Down Civilization?

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