virulent

virulent definition - medical

vir·u·lent (vîrˈyə-lənt, vîrˈə-)

adjective
  1. Extremely infectious, malignant, or poisonous. Used of a disease or toxin.
  2. Capable of causing disease by breaking down protective mechanisms of the host. Used of a pathogen.
  3. Intensely irritating, obnoxious, or harsh.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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