virus

US /ˈvaɪ.rəs/
UK /ˈvaɪ.rəs/
"virus" picture
1.

an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat, is too small to be seen by light microscopy, and is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host.

:
•
The common cold is caused by a virus.
•
Scientists are working to develop a vaccine against the new virus.
:
pathogengermmicrobe
2.

a piece of code that is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data.

:
•
My computer was infected with a malicious virus.
•
Always use antivirus software to protect against computer viruses.
:
malwarewormtrojan
:
anti-virus programWest Nile virus