epidemic|ˌepɪˈdemɪk|
A.noun
①literal (of infectious disease)传染病 (disease occurring in such a way)流行病 an epidemic of influenza/yellow fever流感/黄热病的流行
②figurative (rapid spread)蔓延 an epidemic of crime has infected the town犯罪活动在城里泛滥成灾
B.adjective泛滥的 the problem has reached epidemic proportions该问题已到了泛滥成灾的
contagious |kənˈteɪdʒəs| adjective
①Medicine 接触传染的 ‹disease›; 有接触传染病的 ‹person›
②figurative 有感染力的 ‹laughter›; 蔓延的 ‹pessimism, optimism, enthusiasm›
其中有一个单词的专业性比较强,比较少用。