Virulence | Definition of virulence by Merriam-Webster

Definition of VIRULENCE

: the quality or state of being virulent: as

a : extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : rancor

b : malignancy, venomousness <the virulence of a disease>

c : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses

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First Known Use of VIRULENCE

1617

Related to VIRULENCE

Synonyms: acidity, acidness, acridity, acridness, asperity, bile, bitterness, cattiness, corrosiveness, mordancy, tartness, acrimony, virulency, vitriol

Medical Definition of VIRULENCE

: the quality or state of being virulent: as a : relative severity and malignancy <ameliorate the virulence of a disease> b : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses—compare infectivity

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "virulence"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "virulence"

Nglish: Translation of "virulence" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "virulence" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "virulence"

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