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Glite Dictionary
to superinfect

to superinfect

8.8
To give a second infection to a person, wound, or cell that already has one
  • verb
  • /ˌsuːpərɪnˈfɛkt/
  • Specialized
: superinfectar
  • Researchers observed that the virus could superinfect cells already harboring a latent infection.

Examples

  • The doctor warned that improper antibiotic use might superinfect wounds with resistant microorganisms.

  • Researchers found that bacteria can superinfect a cell already infected with a virus.

  • The patient was found to superinfect a previously infected tissue with a second strain of bacteria.

  • The virus can superinfect the host cell.

  • Researchers observed that the virus could superinfect cells already harboring a latent infection.

  • The doctor warned that improper antibiotic use might superinfect wounds with resistant microorganisms.

  • The patient was found to superinfect a previously infected tissue with a second strain of bacteria.

Antonyms

to heal
726 1.2

To become healthy again after an injury, illness, or emotional pain

cure
523 2.5

A medicine or treatment that makes an illness go away

Surface Forms

superinfect infinitive
superinfected past
superinfected past participle
superinfecting present participle
superinfects third person singular

Morphology

superinfect = infect (transparent) = super + infect

The verb is a straightforward formation from the productive prefix 'super-' plus the verb 'infect', yielding the sense of an additional or overlying infection.

Etymology

Superinfect comes from the beginning part super- meaning 'over' and infect, which means 'to make sick inside'. So, superinfect means to infect 'on top of' an existing infection, which is why it describes a second infection in a place that is already infected.