virus
A submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism, often causing disease. In technology, it refers to a piece of malicious code that replicates itself to damage or disrupt a computer system.
Examples
3 of 5I think I've caught a virus because I have a fever and a sore throat.
I think I've caught a virus because I have a fever and a sore throat.
The researchers are working to sequence the genetic material of the virus to develop a targeted treatment.
The researchers are working to sequence the genetic material of the virus to develop a targeted treatment.
My PC is so slow; I'm worried I picked up a virus from that website.
My PC is so slow; I'm worried I picked up a virus from that website.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'V' in Virus as standing for 'Vicious'—it is a tiny, vicious invader that takes over a host.
Quick Quiz
The IT department installed new software to protect the network from a potential ________.
Correct!
The correct answer is: virus
Examples
I think I've caught a virus because I have a fever and a sore throat.
everydayI think I've caught a virus because I have a fever and a sore throat.
The researchers are working to sequence the genetic material of the virus to develop a targeted treatment.
formalThe researchers are working to sequence the genetic material of the virus to develop a targeted treatment.
My PC is so slow; I'm worried I picked up a virus from that website.
informalMy PC is so slow; I'm worried I picked up a virus from that website.
The study examines how the virus bypasses the host's immune response during the initial stages of infection.
academicThe study examines how the virus bypasses the host's immune response during the initial stages of infection.
Our internal servers were compromised by a sophisticated virus, leading to a temporary suspension of services.
businessOur internal servers were compromised by a sophisticated virus, leading to a temporary suspension of services.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
go viral
to spread rapidly over the internet
viral load
the amount of a specific virus in a person's blood
stomach virus
a common viral infection of the digestive tract
Often Confused With
Bacteria are complex, single-celled organisms that can survive on their own, while viruses are much smaller and need a living host to multiply.
Malware is a broad term for any malicious software; a virus is a specific type of malware that replicates by attaching itself to other files.
Usage Notes
The word can be used in both biological and technological contexts. When used biologically, it often implies a contagious disease.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that the plural of 'virus' is 'viruses', not 'viri' or 'vira'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'V' in Virus as standing for 'Vicious'—it is a tiny, vicious invader that takes over a host.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'virus', meaning poison or slimy liquid.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The global experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has made this term central to public discourse, policy, and daily conversation worldwide.
Quick Quiz
The IT department installed new software to protect the network from a potential ________.
Correct!
The correct answer is: virus
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Bacteria are very small living things that exist almost ever...
epidemicA large-scale outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads...
pandemicA pandemic is an outbreak of an infectious disease that spre...
contagiousDescribes a disease that is spread from one person or organi...
antivirusRelating to software or protocols designed to detect, preven...
immunityThe state of being resistant to a specific disease or infect...
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