What does VIRUS mean?

Definition of Virus

A virus is a noun and a type of microorganism that can cause infectious diseases in living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants.

Definitions

• A virus is a microorganism that can cause infectious diseases. (source: Merriam-Webster)
• A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. (source: Oxford Languages)

Pronunciations

• US: /ˈvaɪrəs/
• UK: /ˈvʌɪrəs/

Origin and Usage

The word "virus" comes from the Latin word "vīrus", meaning "poison" or "slime". The term was first used to describe infectious agents in the late 1800s. Viruses have been responsible for some of the most devastating pandemics in human history, including the Spanish flu and COVID-19.

Synonyms

• Pathogen
• Bacterium
• Microbe

Related Words

• Bacterium
• Fungi
• Germs
• Molds
• Toxin

Example Sentences

• The COVID-19 virus has spread rapidly across the globe.
• Scientists are working on developing a vaccine to protect against the virus.
• The virus has mutated, making it more difficult to treat.
• She was diagnosed with a virus and told to rest and drink plenty of fluids.