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