virulence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun extreme harmfulness (as the capacity of a microorganism to cause disease)
    virulency.
    • the virulence of the plague
  2. noun extreme hostility
    virulency.
    • the virulence of the malicious old man

WordNet

Vir"u*lence, Vir"u*len*cy noun (Also<
  • Virulence
  • Virulency
)
Etymology
Cf. F. virulence, L. virulentia an offensive odor, a stench.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being virulent or venomous; poisonousness; malignancy.
  2. Extreme bitterness or malignity of disposition. "Refuted without satirical virulency." Barrow.
    The virulence of one declaimer, or the profundities and sublimities of the other. I. Taylor.

Webster 1913