adj.
Pronunciation: ' vir- ə -l ə nt, ' vir-y ə -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin virulentus, from virus poison
Date: 14th century
1 a : marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course <a virulent infection> b : able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic < virulent bacteria>
2 : extremely poisonous or venomous
3 : full of malice : MALIGNANT < virulent racists>
4 : objectionably harsh or strong < virulent criticism>
– vir · u · lent · ly adverb