virulence

[ 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.

Notes

“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

The idea of increasing virulence, or increasing transmissibility, was not really something that most scientists had ever thought about doing.

From Washington Post

It was an unprecedented moment, and Lopez and Affleck were both clearly unprepared for the virulence of the attention they brought down on themselves.

From Vox

Also, the biology of this virus is such that its virulence will most likely continue to increase rather than decrease, at least in the short term.

From MIT Technology Review

These common viruses are showing up at a distinctly uncommon time of year — and sometimes with uncommon virulence among children whose immune systems did not begin building up familiarity with them while the pandemic kept people isolated at home.

From Washington Post

With so-called “gain of function” experiments, for instance, scientists genetically manipulate viruses to probe their evolution—sometimes in ways that boost virulence or transmissibility.

From MIT Technology Review

And, if anything, it is all the more urgent as Islamic extremism appears to be increasing in size and virulence.

From The Daily Beast

Some observers expect the virulence of the opposition to gay marriage to cool accordingly after the UMP leadership convention.

From The Daily Beast

At his instigation a persecution of unprecedented virulence raged like an epidemic throughout the empire.

From Project Gutenberg

I drew my sword, and threatened him but he was insensible to his danger; he reviled me, he spat at me with a child's virulence.

From Project Gutenberg

The prisoners were freed from confinement; but the result of the trial was, that the virulence of the agitation for repeal abated.

From Project Gutenberg

To add to our misfortunes, the cholera broke out in the fleets in Varna Bay and at Baltschik with extraordinary virulence.

From Project Gutenberg

Their conduct is a striking display, not only of the virulence of envy, but of the progress and resentful nature of anger.

From Project Gutenberg