virulent
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.vir·u·lent
adjective \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
See Examples of VIRULENT
- The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past.
- <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
Other Microbiology Terms
vir·u·lent
adjective \-lənt\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of VIRULENT
1
a : marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course <a virulent infection> b : able to overcome bodily defense mechanisms <a virulent pathogen>
2
: extremely poisonous or venomous : noxious
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