| 释义 |
vir·u·lence
\ˈvir(y)ələn(t)s\ noun
or vir·u·len·cy \-nsē, -si\
(plural virulences or virulencies)
Etymology: Late Latin virulentia stench, infection, from Latin virulentus + -ia -y
1. : extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : rancor
< old age added virulence to her tongue — Harrison Smith >
2. : the quality or property of being virulent (as an infection) : venomousness, malignancy
3. : the relative capacity of a microorganism to overcome the body defenses of the host — distinguished from infectivity |