virulence

noun
UK: /ˈvɪrələns/
US: /ˈvɪrjələns/

  1. The degree to which a disease can damage an organism. It is the severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison.

    1. The virulence of the flu was very high that year.
    2. Scientists studied the virulence of the new strain of the virus to understand its potential impact.

  2. Extreme harmfulness or bitterness of feeling; intense negativity or harshness in language or actions.

    1. The virulence in his voice shocked everyone present.
    2. The political debate was marked by the virulence of attacks from both sides, creating a hostile atmosphere.

Synonyms

severity acrimony malignancy rancor toxicity

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "virulence" in English means: The degree to which a disease can damage an organism. It is the severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison., Extreme harmfulness or bitterness of feeling; intense negativity or harshness in language or actions..

The phonetic transcription of "virulence" is /ˈvɪrələns/ in British English and /ˈvɪrjələns/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "virulence": severity, acrimony, malignancy, rancor, toxicity.

Example usage of "virulence": "The virulence of the flu was very high that year.". More examples on the page.