Technology / A2

VYR-uh-s/ˈvaɪrəs/

A virus is a tiny thing that can make you ill: catch a virus, a stomach virus, the virus spread. Cold and flu are illnesses often caused by viruses. Bacteria are different germs. Computer virus is harmful software — a second A2 sense. Do not write various (several) for virus.

Meaning

A very small thing that can make you ill; also harmful computer software.

Examples

• “A virus kept half the class at home.”
• “He stayed off football because of a virus.”
• “Update the laptop so it is safer from computer viruses.”

Good to know

catch a virus / a computer virus. Illness cousins: cold, flu. Mix-up: various.

Topics

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