zymosis

[ zahy-moh-sis ]

noun

, plural zy·mo·ses [zahy-, moh, -seez].

1. fermentation.
2. an infectious or contagious disease.

zymosis

/ zaɪˈməʊsɪs /

noun

1. med
   1. any infectious disease
   2. the development process or spread of such a disease
2. another name for zymolysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of zymosis¹

1835–45; < New Latin zȳmōsis < Greek zȳ́mōsis, equivalent to zȳmō-, variant stem of zȳmoûn to leaven, ferment (derivative of zȳ́mē leaven) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

That great chemist did not imagine that a true zymosis or fermentation occurs under the action of a virus upon the human economy.

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, you might get zymosis, or attempt to write like Zola, at almost any time, yet those two dangers are down at the bottom of the list.

From Project Gutenberg

According to Emerson there is a mental zymosis or contagion prevailing in society at such epochs.

From Project Gutenberg

Gout, in its most malignant stage, it would appear, had seized me without my being aware of it; and zymosis I had evidently been suffering with from boyhood. 

From Project Gutenberg