What term describes an arthropod that can transmit disease?

The term that describes an arthropod capable of transmitting disease is "vector." In the context of epidemiology and infectious diseases, vectors are organisms that carry and transmit pathogens to their hosts. Common examples of vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, which can harbor diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and plague, respectively.

Vectors are crucial in the chain of transmission because they facilitate the spread of infections from one host to another without necessarily being affected by the disease themselves. Understanding the role of vectors in disease transmission is vital for public health efforts aimed at controlling and preventing outbreaks.

The other terms listed refer to different concepts. A fomite is an inanimate object that can carry infectious agents, while a vehicle refers to a medium, such as food or water, that can transmit pathogens. A contaminant is a broader term that can refer to any harmful substance, not specifically related to disease transmission.