Dictionary entry

Virulence

Webster's Dictionary 1913

{ Vir″u‐lence (?), Vir″u‐len‐cy (?), } n. [Cf. F. virulence, L. virulentia an offensive odor, a stench.] 1. The quality or state of being virulent or venomous; poisonousness; malignancy.

2. Extreme bitterness or malignity of disposition. “Refuted without satirical virulency.” Barrow.

The virulence of one declaimer, or the profundities and sublimities of the other. I. Taylor.