Virulent Definition

vîryə-lənt, vîrə-
adjective
Characterized by, causing, or promoting the rapid onset of severe illness. Used of a disease or toxin.
American Heritage Medicine
Capable of causing disease by aggressively interfering with the immune system of the host. Used of a pathogen.
American Heritage Medicine
Bitterly antagonistic or spiteful; full of hate and enmity; venomous; rancorous.
Webster's New World
Extremely poisonous or injurious; deadly.
Webster's New World
Violent and rapid in its course; highly malignant.
Webster's New World

Origin of Virulent

  • Middle English from Latin vīrulentus from vīrus poison

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin virus (“poison, slime, venom").

    From Wiktionary

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