virulence

Definition of Virulence in English :

1. virulence, virulency

extreme harmfulness (as the capacity of a microorganism to cause disease)

Example Sentences:
'the virulence of the plague'

2. virulence, virulency

extreme hostility

Example Sentences:
'the virulence of the malicious old man'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Virulence

noun

1.

the quality of being virulent

2.

the capacity of a microorganism for causing disease

noun

1.

the quality of being virulent, or very poisonous, noxious, malignant, etc.

2.

bitter animosity; venom; rancor

3.

the relative infectiousness of a microorganism causing disease

adj.

1.

a. Characterized by, causing, or promoting the rapid onset of severe illness. Used of a disease or toxin.

b. Capable of causing disease by aggressively interfering with the immune system of the host. Used of a pathogen.

2. Extremely hostile or malicious: virulent criticism; a virulent bigot.