viral

[ vahy-ruh l ]
/ ˈvaɪ rəl /

adjective

of, relating to, or caused by a virus.
pertaining to or involving the spreading of information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially on the Internet or in emails: a clever viral ad. See also viral marketing.
becoming very popular by circulating quickly from person to person, especially through the Internet: the most memorable viral videos; This book is already viral two weeks before its official publication date.
pertaining to a computer virus.

Idioms for viral

    go viral, to spread rapidly via the Internet, email, or other media: Footage of the candidate's off-color remarks went viral within minutes.

Origin of viral

First recorded in 1935–40; vir(us) + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM viral

an·ti·vi·ral, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH viral

viral virile

Words nearby viral

vir-, vira saiva, viraemia, viraginity, virago, viral, viral antigen, viral dysentery, viral envelope, viral hemagglutination, viral hepatitis

Example sentences from the Web for antiviral

  • A low count spelled serious trouble, whereas high and stable numbers were seen in those with a good response to antiviral drugs.

    New Thai-Taiwanese Syndrome Is Not AIDS 2.0 |Kent Sepkowitz |August 26, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

  • It proved resistant to every one of the antibiotics and antiviral agents in the Lancet's stockroom.

    Star Surgeon |Alan Nourse

British Dictionary definitions for antiviral (1 of 2)

antiviral
/ (ˌæntɪˈvaɪrəl) /

adjective

inhibiting the growth of viruses

noun

any antiviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes infections and AIDS

British Dictionary definitions for antiviral (2 of 2)

viral
/ (ˈvaɪrəl) /

adjective

of, relating to, or caused by a virus
(of a video, image, story, etc) spread quickly and widely among internet users via social networking sites, e-mail, etc

Medical definitions for antiviral (1 of 2)

antiviral
[ ăn′tē-vī′rəl, ăn′tī- ]

adj.

Destroying or inhibiting the growth and reproduction of viruses.

Other words from antiviral

an′ti•vi′ral n.

Medical definitions for antiviral (2 of 2)

viral
[ vī′rəl ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or caused by a virus.