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
Discover More
“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
30 GRE Words Beginning with "T" "U" "V" and "W"
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The Serpent King
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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.
“The Saudis understood that their dispute with the Emiratis had crossed into an anti-Israel posture of increasing virulence, that it was creating serious problems for them in Washington,” Dubowitz said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026
Mycoviral infections are multifaceted; they can reduce or increase virulence or remain hidden without obvious symptoms.
From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2024
These virulence factors are used to differentiate one species of Streptococcus from another and are one way to distinguish samples through phenotypic analysis.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2024
"When tested for its effects on the fungus' ability to attack frogs, it seemed to actually increase the virulence of the fungus against the frog."
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2024
Dill released a long exhale as he left the building, as though he’d held his breath for the entire time he was inside to keep from inhaling whatever virulence the men imprisoned there harbored.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
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.
