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virus

virus

noun VEE-roos Rare

Origin: Latin virus (poison, slime)

Usage Note

Virus is invariable in Italian — the plural is identical to the singular (i virus, not i viri). It is masculine: il virus, i virus. Both the biological and computer meanings are standard. The word entered Italian directly from Latin scientific usage and is fully naturalised.

Examples

"Il virus si diffonde rapidamente."

Natural Translation

The virus spreads quickly.

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