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virulence

[ vir-yuh-luhns, vir-uh- ]
/ ˈvɪr yə ləns, ˈvɪr ə- /
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noun
quality of being virulent.
Bacteriology.
  1. the relative ability of a microorganism to cause disease; degree of pathogenicity.
  2. the capability of a microorganism to cause disease.
venomous hostility.
intense sharpness of temper.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Often vir·u·len·cy .

Origin of virulence

1655–65; <Late Latin vīrulentia stench; see virulent, -ence
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use virulence in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for virulence

virulence

virulency

/ (ˈvɪrʊləns) /

noun
the quality of being virulent
the capacity of a microorganism for causing disease
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

Cultural definitions for virulence

virulence
[ (vir-yuh-luhns, vir-uh-luhns) ]

The capacity of a pathogen, such as a microorganism or toxin, to produce disease.

notes for virulence

“Virulent” substances or organisms are extremely pathogenic or toxic.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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