Dictionary
virulence
noun vir·u·lence \ˈvir-ə-lən(t)s, ˈvir-yə-\
Definition of VIRULENCE
: the quality or state of being virulent: as a : extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : rancor b : malignancy, venomousness <the virulence of a disease> c : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses
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First Known Use of VIRULENCE
1617
Medical Dictionary
virulence
noun vir·u·lence \ˈvir-(y)ə-lən(t)s\
Medical Definition of VIRULENCE
: the quality or state of being virulent: as a : relative severity and malignancy <ameliorate the virulence of a disease> b : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses—compare infectivity
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