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View synonyms for virulence

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
“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


virulence

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


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Notes

“Virulent” substances or organisms are extremely pathogenic or toxic.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of virulence1

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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