English vocabulary · C1
Virulence
/ˈvɪrjələns/ · n.
It means the powerful strength of something harmful, like a virus or a bacteria.
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Example sentences
- We measure the virulence of the new flu.
- That poisonous snake has high virulence.
Word origin and roots
- virul — poison (from Latin)
- ence — state (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- danger (a threat poses serious risk of harm)
- poison (a substance is toxic and harmful)
- harmfulness (the capacity to cause damage is high)
Words with the same root
virus — poison
- virus — a tiny harmful agent that infects and spreads — the original poison
- viral — relating to a virus — or spreading rapidly like one
Lesson notes
Virulence. It means the powerful strength of something harmful, like a virus or a bacteria.
Similar words are danger, poison, and harmfulness. Use virulence when life is in real danger.
We measure the virulence of the new flu. That poisonous snake has high virulence.
Think: virul means poison, and ence is a state. A state of pure poison spreading fast. That is virulence.