Another word for communicable is?

The term "communicable" refers to diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another, typically through direct or indirect contact. Both "infectious" and "contagious" can describe such diseases, but they have slightly different nuances.

When considering "contagious," it specifically emphasizes the ability of a disease to spread easily from one individual to another, often through physical contact or close proximity. This aligns closely with the concept of communicable diseases. For example, illnesses such as the flu or a cold are considered contagious because they are easily spread between people.

While "infectious" also refers to diseases caused by pathogens that can infect a host, it encompasses a broader range of transmission methods, including those that might not necessarily be through person-to-person contact.

In contrast, "hereditary" relates to genetic conditions passed down from parents to offspring, and "chronic" refers to long-lasting health conditions that may not necessarily be infectious or communicable.

In summary, "contagious" is the more precise synonym for "communicable," as it highlights the immediate ability to spread from one individual to another, aligning perfectly with the characteristics of communicable diseases.