virus
virus definition
vi·rus (vī′rəs)
noun
- Obsolete venom, as of a snake
- any of a kingdom (Virus) of prokaryotes, usually ultramicroscopic, that consist of nucleic acid, either RNA or DNA, within a case of protein: they infect animals, plants, and bacteria and reproduce only within living cells: viruses are considered as being either living organisms or inert chemicals
- a disease caused by a virus
- anything that corrupts or poisons the mind or character; evil or harmful influence
- an unauthorized, disruptive set of instructions placed in a computer program, that leaves copies of itself in other programs and disks
Etymology: L, a slimy liquid, poison < IE base *weis-, to flow (used of foul or malodorous fluids) > ooze, weasel, Gr ios, poison
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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