/ ˈvɪrələnt; NAmE ; -rjəl-/ adjective
1.
( of a disease or poison ) extremely dangerous or harmful and quick to have an effect
2.
( formal ) showing strong negative and bitter feelings :
virulent criticism
virulent nationalism
► viru·lence / -ləns; NAmE / noun [ U ]
► viru·lent·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (originally describing a poisoned wound): from Latin virulentus , from virus poison.