virus
//ˈvaɪrəs//
Noun
virusSingular
virusesPlural
1
A microscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism, consisting of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.
The flu is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system.
2
A harmful or corrupting influence or quality that spreads among people or through a system.
The virus of hatred spread quickly through the community.
3
A piece of malicious computer code that can copy itself and spread from one computer to another, typically causing damage to data or system performance.
A virus infected my computer and deleted important files.