Cool MateVirus
UK /["/ˈvaɪrəs/"]/US /["/ˈvaɪrəs/"]/
Definition
a living thing, too small to be seen without a microscope, that causes disease in people, animals and plants
In simple words: A tiny living thing that can make you sick.
Examples
- The doctor explained how a virus can spread from one person to another.
- A computer virus can corrupt your files and damage your system.
- The scientist studied the virus to find a cure.
Usage notes
Use 'virus' in medical or technical contexts. Avoid colloquial settings unless joking or referencing technology (e.g., computer virus).
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Sounds like 'violin' — imagine a tiny violin string being played by a germ.
Collocations
- deadly
- killer
- lethal
- be infected with
- catch
- contract
- infect somebody/something
- attack somebody/something
- kill somebody/something
- infection
- vaccine
- transmission
- deadly
- killer
- lethal
- be infected with
- catch
- contract
- infect somebody/something
- attack somebody/something
- kill somebody/something
- infection
- vaccine
- transmission
- computer
- be infected with
- create
- develop
- attack something
- destroy something
- spread
- threat
- warning
- protection
Synonyms
- germ
- pathogen
- infection
- microbe
- bug
Antonyms
- antibody
- health
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'bacteria' as they are different types of germs.
- Using 'viruses' incorrectly in singular contexts.
- Mispronouncing it as 'virous' rather than 'virus'.