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Synonyms & Similar Words
Meaning of Virus
The primary meaning of the word "virus" refers to a small infectious agent that replicates inside the cells of an organism.
Definitions
- A small infectious agent that replicates inside the cells of an organism, including animals, plants, and microorganisms.
- A computer program that is designed to replicate itself and cause harm to other programs or systems.
- A corrupting or polluting influence.
Etymology of Virus
The word "virus" comes from the Latin term for "poison" or "slimy liquid", which was first used to describe infectious agents in the late 19th century.
The term was initially used to describe any infectious agent, but it now specifically refers to a type of microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium and can only replicate inside the cells of an organism.
Example Uses
- The doctor warned that the new virus was highly contagious and could spread quickly through the population.
- The computer was infected with a virus that deleted all of the user's files.
- The company's reputation was damaged by the virus of corruption that spread through its leadership.