virulence

[ vir-yuh-luh ns, vir-uh- ]
/ ˈvɪr yə ləns, ˈvɪr ə- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR virulence ON THESAURUS.COM

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.
Often vir·u·len·cy.

Origin of virulence

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

Words nearby virulence

virtuous, virtuous circle, virtute et armis, virucidal, virucide, virulence, virulent, virulent bacteriophage, viruliferous, viruria, virus

Words related to virulence

embitterment, fury, cynicism, malice, rancor, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, displeasure, irritation, gall, offense, annoyance, perturbation, wrath, spite, acrimony, exasperation, acerbity, passion

Example sentences from the Web for virulence

British Dictionary definitions for virulence

virulence

virulency

/ (ˈvɪrʊləns) /

noun

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

Medical definitions for virulence

virulence
[ vîr′yə-ləns, vîr′ə- ]

n.

The quality of being poisonous.
The capacity of a microorganism to cause disease.

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.