virulence

One entry found for virulence.

Main Entry: vir·u·lence
Pronunciation: 'vir-&-l&n(t)s, 'vir-y&-
Function: noun
: the quality or state of being virulent : as a : extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : RANCOR b : MALIGNANCY, VENOMOUSNESS <ameliorate the virulence of a disease> c : the relative capacity of a pathogen to overcome body defenses