virulence

vir·u·lence

noun \ˈvir-ə-lən(t)s, ˈvir-yə-\

Definition of VIRULENCE

: the quality or state of being virulent: as a : extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : rancor b : malignancy, venomousness <the virulence of a disease> c : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses

Examples of VIRULENCE

1. <I was surprised by the virulence of the criticism.>

First Known Use of VIRULENCE

1621

Related to VIRULENCE

Synonyms: acidity, acidness, acridity, acridness, asperity, bile, bitterness, cattiness, corrosiveness, mordancy, tartness, acrimony, virulency, vitriol

Related Words: gruffness, harshness, hostility, relentlessness, severity, sternness, vehemence; coldness, crossness, discourteousness, iciness, impoliteness, incivility, nastiness, rudeness, sourness, surliness, ungraciousness; anger, animosity, gall, jaundice, malevolence, malice, rancor, scorn, spite, spleen, venom, vindictiveness; jealousy, pique, resentment, sour grapes

Near Antonyms: civility, cordiality, courtesy, diplomacy, geniality, graciousness, kindness, politeness, tactfulness; compassion, softness, sweetness, sympathy, tenderness, warmth; oiliness, smoothness, suaveness, suavity, unctuousness, urbanity

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