[ˈvɪrjʊlənt], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- (of a disease or poison) extremely severe or harmful in its effects
(e.g: a virulent strain of influenza)

- bitterly hostile
(e.g: his involvement with the temperance movement led to his virulent attack on the drink trade)


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English (originally describing a poisoned wound): from Latin virulentus, from virus ‘poison’ (see virus)