viral

[ vahy-ruh l ]

/ ˈvaɪ rəl /

adjective

of, relating to, or caused by a virus.

pertaining to or involving the spreading of information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially on the Internet or in emails: a clever viral ad.See also viral marketing.

becoming very popular by circulating quickly from person to person, especially through the Internet: the most memorable viral videos; This book is already viral two weeks before its official publication date.

pertaining to a computer virus.

Nearby words

vir-, vira saiva, viraemia, viraginity, virago, viral, viral antigen, viral dysentery, viral envelope, viral hemagglutination, viral hepatitis

Idioms

go viral, to spread rapidly via the Internet, email, or other media: Footage of the candidate's off-color remarks went viral within minutes.

Origin of viral

First recorded in 1935–40; vir(us) + -al¹

Related forms

an·ti·vi·ral, adjective

Can be confused

viral virile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for antiviral

A low count spelled serious trouble, whereas high and stable numbers were seen in those with a good response to antiviral drugs.
New Thai-Taiwanese Syndrome Is Not AIDS 2.0|Kent Sepkowitz|August 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It proved resistant to every one of the antibiotics and antiviral agents in the Lancet's stockroom.
Star Surgeon|Alan Nourse

British Dictionary definitions for antiviral (1 of 2)

antiviral

/ (ˌæntɪˈvaɪrəl) /

adjective

inhibiting the growth of viruses

noun

any antiviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes infections and AIDS

British Dictionary definitions for antiviral (2 of 2)

viral

/ (ˈvaɪrəl) /

adjective

of, relating to, or caused by a virus

(of a video, image, story, etc) spread quickly and widely among internet users via social networking sites, e-mail, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for antiviral (1 of 2)

antiviral

[ ăn′tē-vī′rəl, ăn′tī- ]

adj.

Destroying or inhibiting the growth and reproduction of viruses.

Related forms

an′ti•vi′ral n.

Medicine definitions for antiviral (2 of 2)

viral

[ vī′rəl ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or caused by a virus.