virulent
adjective/ˈvɪrələnt/
/ˈvɪrələnt/
- (of a disease or poison) extremely dangerous or harmful and quick to have an effect
- a virulent form of influenza
- a particularly virulent flu germ
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- (formal) showing strong negative and bitter feelings
- virulent criticism
- virulent nationalism
Word Originlate Middle English (originally describing a poisoned wound): from Latin virulentus, from virus ‘poison’.
Check pronunciation:
virulent