Synonyms:
virulence, virulency
Meaning: extreme harmfulness (as the capacity of a microorganism to cause disease); "the virulence of the plague"
Usage examples
An attack of peculiar virulence and malevolence
It is not uncommonly imagined in France that the virulence of the press originates in the uncertain social condition, in the political excitement, and the general sense of consequent evil which prevail in that country; and it is therefore supposed that as soon as society has resumed a certain degree of composure the press will abandon its present vehemence.