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virus

Definition

A virus is a tiny germ that can make you sick. It is so small that you can't see it with your eyes.

Viruses can cause many different diseases, such as the common cold, the flu, and the measles. They can also cause more serious diseases, such as HIV and Ebola.

Viruses can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. They can also spread through animals.

There is no cure for most viruses, but there are vaccines that can help prevent them. If you get sick with a virus, there are medicines that can help relieve the symptoms.

How can the word be used?

The flu virus is a respiratory illness caused by a virus.

virus

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism.
  • a contagious disease caused by a virus.

Adjective: of or relating to viruses.

Etymology

The word "virus" comes from the Latin word "virus", which means "poison".

The first recorded use of the word "virus" to refer to an infectious agent was in 1796.

Question

What can cause you to catch a virus?