virulence

Often vir·u·len·cy

[vir-yuh-luhns, vir-uh-]

noun

1. quality of being virulent.

2. Bacteriology.

   1. the relative ability of a microorganism to cause disease; degree of pathogenicity.

   2. the capability of a microorganism to cause disease.

3. venomous hostility.

4. intense sharpness of temper.

virulence

/ ˈvɪrʊləns /

noun

1. the quality of being virulent

2. the capacity of a microorganism for causing disease

virulence

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

“Virulent” substances or organisms are extremely pathogenic or toxic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of virulence¹

1655–65; < Late Latin vīrulentia stench; virulent, -ence

Example Sentences

This could allow them to acquire genes from frozen pathogens that confer antimicrobial resistance or greater virulence.

From Salon

They compared the genomes of EF-responsive and non-responsive strains and found that, in addition to iron acquisition genes, responsive strains had genes associated with virulence and capsule production specifically.

From Science Daily

That genetic twist would likely diminish H5N1’s virulence, experts predict, but no one can say how much less deadly it might become.

From Salon

Mycoviral infections are multifaceted; they can reduce or increase virulence or remain hidden without obvious symptoms.

From Science Daily

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