computer virus

American  

noun

1. virus.

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computer virus Cultural  

1. A program that enters a computer usually without the knowledge of the operator. Some viruses are mild and only cause messages to appear on the screen, but others are destructive and can wipe out the computer's memory or cause more severe damage.

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The creation of computer viruses can be part of cyberwarfare.

Computer viruses spread from machine to machine on disks or, more commonly, over the Internet.

Etymology

Origin of computer virus

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Before that, US and Israeli cyber sleuths were able to insert a devastating computer virus, codenamed Stuxnet, into Iran's centrifuges, which caused them to spin out of control.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

Mountain View Hospital, also located in Idaho Falls, was similarly affected by the computer virus, officials said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2023

When a computer virus paralyzed machinery at his employer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Mr. Lee pulled a 48-hour shift to help fix the problem.

From New York Times • May 11, 2023

Maybe the computer virus will bring the whole system down, or maybe bring it to heel.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2021

A computer virus was the perfect piece of sabotage: invisible and instantaneous.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz