virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
ˈvir-yə-
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
virulently adverb

Examples of virulent in a Sentence

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
Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, the current outbreak, which began in Congo late last year, is linked to a new, more virulent form of the disease. Sophie Neiman, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Sep. 2024 Sweden confirmed its first case of a more virulent variant of Mpox in August. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024 The team got some early clues to why some people have more virulent allergic reactions, but there is still more work to be done to fully understand this mechanism. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2024 The continuing spread of the virus could lead to the emergence of variants that might be even more transmissible than Omicron, at least as virulent as Delta, and even more capable of evading the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection. Michael T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2022 See all Example Sentences for virulent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'virulent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" — more at virus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of virulent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near virulent

Cite this Entry

“Virulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virulent. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

virulent

adjective
vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body
a virulent germ
2
: extremely poisonous : noxious
3
: full of hate : spiteful
virulently adverb

Medical Definition

virulent

adjective
vir·​u·​lent -lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on virulent

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