virulence
Americannoun
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quality of being virulent.
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Bacteriology.
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the relative ability of a microorganism to cause disease; degree of pathogenicity.
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the capability of a microorganism to cause disease.
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venomous hostility.
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intense sharpness of temper.
noun
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the quality of being virulent
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the capacity of a microorganism for causing disease
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“Virulent” substances or organisms are extremely pathogenic or toxic.
Etymology
Origin of virulence
1655–65; < Late Latin vīrulentia stench; see virulent, -ence
Explanation
Virulence is a harmful quality possessed by microorganisms that can cause disease. You can also use the noun virulence to describe someone's malicious actions. A virus spreads disease, and virulence is a quality possessed by viruses that are on the loose and spreading. This could be as common as the flu or as unusual as chemical warfare. You can also speak of the virulence of hostile, harmful words and actions. Publicly insulting and discrediting someone is an example of virulence. With either meaning, virulence indicates danger and harm. The Latin root is virulentus, "poisonous."
Vocabulary lists containing virulence
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Virulence is the ‘case fatality rate’, the percentage of cases leading to death.
From Forbes • Aug. 13, 2014
Virulence of speech is a quality in language that makes the language seem as if exuding poison.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
I have had Thousands written against me, with Virulence and Scandal.
From A Dialogue Between Dean Swift and Tho. Prior, Esq. In the Isles of St. Patrick's Church, Dublin, On that Memorable Day, October 9th, 1753 by Anonymous
But, that his Virulence might not seem to be levelled singly at Me, he has done Me the Honour to join Dr. Bentley in the Libel.
From Preface to the Works of Shakespeare (1734) by Dick, Hugh G.
But, that his Virulence might not seem to be levelled singly at me, he has done me the Honour to join Dr. Bentley in the Libel.
From Eighteenth Century Essays on Shakespeare by Smith, David Nichol
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
