/vir"yeuh leuhns, vir"euh-/ , n.
1. quality of being virulent.
2. Bacteriol.
a. the relative ability of a microorganism to cause disease; degree of pathogenicity.
b. the capability of a microorganism to cause disease.
3. venomous hostility.
4. intense sharpness of temper.
Also, virulency .
[ 1655-65; virulentia stench; see VIRULENT, -ENCE ]