Category:Virus

Vi"rus, n. Etym: [l., a slimy liquid, a poisonous liquid, poison, Stench; akin to gr. visha. Cf. Wizen, v. i.]

1. (med.) (a) contagious or poisonous matter, as of specific ulcers, the bite Of snakes, etc.; -- applied to organic poisons. (b) the special contagion, inappreciable to the senses and acting in Exceedingly minute quantities, by which a disease is introduced into The organism and maintained there.

Note: the specific virus of diseases is now regarded as a microscopic Living vegetable organism which multiplies within the body, and, Either by its own action or by the associated development of a Chemical poison, causes the phenomena of the special disease.

2. Fig.: Any morbid corrupting quality in intellectual or moral Conditions; something that poisons the mind or the soul; as, the Virus of obscene books.