virulence

The idea of increasing virulence, or increasing transmissibility, was not really something that most scientists had ever thought about doing.

It was an unprecedented moment, and Lopez and Affleck were both clearly unprepared for the virulence of the attention they brought down on themselves.

Also, the biology of this virus is such that its virulence will most likely continue to increase rather than decrease, at least in the short term.

These common viruses are showing up at a distinctly uncommon time of year — and sometimes with uncommon virulence among children whose immune systems did not begin building up familiarity with them while the pandemic kept people isolated at home.

With so-called “gain of function” experiments, for instance, scientists genetically manipulate viruses to probe their evolution—sometimes in ways that boost virulence or transmissibility.

And, if anything, it is all the more urgent as Islamic extremism appears to be increasing in size and virulence.

Some observers expect the virulence of the opposition to gay marriage to cool accordingly after the UMP leadership convention.

At his instigation a persecution of unprecedented virulence raged like an epidemic throughout the empire.

I drew my sword, and threatened him but he was insensible to his danger; he reviled me, he spat at me with a child's virulence.

The prisoners were freed from confinement; but the result of the trial was, that the virulence of the agitation for repeal abated.

To add to our misfortunes, the cholera broke out in the fleets in Varna Bay and at Baltschik with extraordinary virulence.

Their conduct is a striking display, not only of the virulence of envy, but of the progress and resentful nature of anger.