Virus

English

Etymology

The word virus is derived from the Latin virus, meaning roughly "poison" or "venom", and still retains this meaning.

Noun

virus (pl see Plural of virus article)

1. A core of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat that requires a living cell to replicate — often causes disease in the host organism.

Synonyms

• (computing): computer virus

Latin

Noun

vīrus n 2nd declension

Hyphenation

• vīr·us

1. slime
2. poison

Synonyms

• (poison) venenum