How to Pronounce Reinfection
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Reinfection Pronunciation
ree-in-FEK-shun
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
ree
in
FEK
stress here
shun
4 syllables
What is Reinfection?
A new infection with the same pathogen after a person has recovered from a previous infection (as opposed to relapse, which is recurrence of the original infection). Reinfection can occur because immunity wanes over time (as with COVID-19 or gonorrhea) or because different strains of the same pathogen exist (as with influenza or dengue).
Questions About Reinfection
How do you pronounce 'reinfection'?
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Say it like this: ree-in-FEK-shun. Start with 'ree' (like the letter R), then 'in' (rhymes with 'pin'), then 'FEK' (rhymes with 'check'), and finish with 'shun' (like the ending of 'action'). The stress falls on the third part, FEK, so that's the part you say loudest and longest.
What is the correct stress pattern for 'reinfection'?
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The stress (emphasis) goes on the middle syllable: ree-in-FEK-shun. A common mistake is stressing the first syllable (REE-in-fek-shun) instead, but that's incorrect. Remember: the FEK part gets the emphasis.
How many syllables does 'reinfection' have?
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The word breaks into four syllables: ree-in-fek-shun. Each syllable is separated by a natural pause or sound break when you say the word slowly.
What do the word parts of 'reinfection' mean?
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'Reinfection' comes from three Latin parts: 're-' means 'again,' 'in-' means 'into,' and 'fection' comes from 'inficere,' which means 'to infect.' Put together, reinfection literally means 'to infect again,' describing a new infection happening a second time.
What does 'reinfection' mean in everyday language?
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Reinfection simply means getting sick with the same disease or infection a second time after you've already gotten better from it once. It's a new infection, not the same one lingering or coming back.
What is a related word that shares the same root as 'reinfection'?
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'Infection' is the core word, and 'reinfection' adds the prefix 're-' to show it's happening again. You'll also see 'infected' and 'infectious' using the same Latin root 'inficere.'
Can you use 'reinfection' in a simple sentence?
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Sure! Here's an example: 'After she recovered from the flu last winter, she had a reinfection with a different strain this year.' This shows the word being used to describe getting the same type of illness twice.
How is 'reinfection' different from 'relapse' in medical language?
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Both words describe getting sick again, but they mean slightly different things. Reinfection (ree-in-FEK-shun) is a brand-new infection with the same germ after you've recovered, while relapse means the original infection never really went away and comes back. The pronunciation is the key to remembering: reinfection has that 're-' prefix meaning 'again.'