Virulence

usgb/ˈvɪrələns/
noun

The degree of harm a disease or poison can cause.

The virulence of the virus was underestimated and it spread rapidly.
Visual representation of "virulence" - The degree of harm a disease or poison can cause.

Usage tips

Technical,Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "virulence"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Disease Severity

Use 'virulence' to describe how aggressive an illness is, focusing on its capability to cause damage.

Illustration for Disease Severity
The virulence of the new strain has put health systems on high alert.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Contagiousness

Don't confuse 'virulence' with how easily a disease spreads, which is 'contagiousness' or 'infectivity'.

Illustration for Not Contagiousness
Despite its rapid spread, the contagion's virulence remained low.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Objective Measure

'Virulence' is often used in a technical or academic sense to express a quantitative measure of harm.

Illustration for Objective Measure
Researchers are studying the virulence factors of the bacteria.
Visual representation of the word "Virulence"

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