virulence

/ˈvɪrələns/

Other forms: virulences

Virulence is a harmful quality possessed by microorganisms that can cause disease. You can also use the noun virulence to describe someone's malicious actions.

A virus spreads disease, and virulence is a quality possessed by viruses that are on the loose and spreading. This could be as common as the flu or as unusual as chemical warfare. You can also speak of the virulence of hostile, harmful words and actions. Publicly insulting and discrediting someone is an example of virulence. With either meaning, virulence indicates danger and harm. The Latin root is virulentus, "poisonous."

Definitions of virulence

1. noun

   extreme harmfulness (as the capacity of a microorganism to cause disease)
   “the virulence of the plague”

   synonyms: virulency

   type of:

   harmfulness, injuriousness

   destructiveness that causes harm or injury
2. noun

   extreme hostility
   “the virulence of the malicious old man”

   synonyms: virulency

   type of:

   hostility, ill will

   a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition