Dictionary entries for 'virus'

Synonyms

vi·rus (vī́rəs)

[Latin vīrus, poison.]

noun: pl., -rus·es.

1. Any of various simple submicroscopic parasites of plants, animals, and bacteria that often cause disease and that consist essentially of a core of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat. Unable to replicate without a host cell, viruses are typically not considered living organisms.
2. A disease caused by a virus.
Something that poisons one's soul or mind: the pernicious virus of racism.
Computer Science A computer virus.