virulent

vir·u·lent

adj \ˈvir-ə-lənt, ˈvir-yə-\

Definition of VIRULENT

1

a : marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course <a virulent infection> b : able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic <virulent bacteria>

2

: extremely poisonous or venomous

3

: full of malice : malignant <virulent racists>

4

: objectionably harsh or strong <virulent criticism>

— vir·u·lent·ly adverb

Examples of VIRULENT

1. The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past.
2. <the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind>

Origin of VIRULENT

Middle English, from Latin virulentus, from virus poison

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VIRULENT

Synonyms: bad [slang], bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, hateful

Antonyms: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words: devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike; acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic; contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving; baleful, baneful, evil; harsh, hostile, inimical; acrid, caustic, poisonous, scathing, venomous

Near Antonyms: compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted; affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant; affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted; humane; altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic (also philanthropical)

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Other Microbiology Terms

pathogen, salmonella, tetanus