HealthAugust 23, 2026

virulence

VIR-yuh-luhns

Definition

The severity or harmfulness of a disease-causing pathogen in its ability to infect and damage a host.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'virulentus,' meaning 'full of poison' or 'venomous,' which comes from 'virus,' meaning 'poison' or 'slime.'

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the mechanisms by which pathogens successfully invade and harm animal hosts, identifying these processes as key targets for medical intervention.

When Farm Animals Get Sick, Human Health Is Often Next

Read the full article ↗

Global Biodefense

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