Word
virulence
Phoneticsvir·u·lence, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɪɹəɫəns/
UK/vˈɪɹələns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. how strong and harmful a germ is — how much damage it can do when it makes people sick.
n. degree to which a pathogen causes severe disease in a host organism. Reflects infectivity, replication rate, and ability to overcome host defences.
Examples
“Doctors study the virulence of new flu strains.”
“The lab compares the virulence of two variants to see which causes more severe illness in mice.”
“Despite its rapid spread, the new strain shows reduced virulence, causing milder symptoms than earlier variants that overwhelmed hospitals.”
Examples
simple
“Doctors study the virulence of new flu strains.”
contextual
“The lab compares the virulence of two variants to see which causes more severe illness in mice.”
complex
“Despite its rapid spread, the new strain shows reduced virulence, causing milder symptoms than earlier variants that overwhelmed hospitals.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “virulence” in context.
Verb
01. assess virulence
“Clinicians must assess virulence to predict severity and guide treatment.”
verb + noun
02. boost virulence
“Certain mutations can significantly boost virulence in respiratory viruses.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. attenuated virulence
“After serial passage, the pathogen showed attenuated virulence in trials.”
adj + noun
04. enhanced virulence
“Researchers linked the mutation to enhanced virulence and faster spread.”
adj + noun
05. extreme virulence
“Ebola is notorious for its extreme virulence and high fatality rate.”
adj + noun
06. high virulence
“The H5N1 strain is feared for its high virulence in birds and humans.”
adj + noun
07. increased virulence
“Laboratory tests confirmed the mutant showed increased virulence in mice.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. degree of virulence
“The degree of virulence determines the need for strict containment.”
noun + prep + noun
09. determinant of virulence
“The surface protein is a key determinant of virulence.”
noun + prep + noun
10. level of virulence
“Each isolate was classified by level of virulence in animal models.”
noun + prep + noun
11. determinants of bacterial virulence
“The study mapped the genetic determinants of bacterial virulence.”
12. evolve greater virulence
“Experts fear the pathogen could evolve greater virulence in crowded settings.”
Etymology
From Middle French virulence, from Late Latin virulentia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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