virus
“virus” means “virus” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
virusAlso: germ
📝 In Action
El resfriado común es causado por un virus.
A2The common cold is caused by a virus.
Los médicos están buscando una vacuna contra el nuevo virus.
B1Doctors are looking for a vaccine against the new virus.
Este virus se propaga muy rápidamente en el aire.
B1This virus spreads very quickly through the air.
Word Connections
computer virusAlso: bug, destructive element
📝 In Action
Necesito instalar un antivirus porque mi laptop tiene un virus.
B1I need to install antivirus software because my laptop has a virus.
Ese rumor fue como un virus que dañó la reputación de la empresa.
C1That rumor was like a virus that damaged the company's reputation.
Word Connections
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "virus" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: virus
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the plural form of 'virus'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
The word 'virus' comes directly from Latin, where it originally meant 'poison,' 'venom,' or 'a noxious liquid.' Its use to describe a biological infectious agent is relatively recent, dating from the late 19th century.
First recorded: 19th century (in the modern biological sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make 'virus' plural in Spanish?
The word 'virus' is one of those special Spanish nouns that doesn't change when you make it plural. You only change the article: 'el virus' (singular) becomes 'los virus' (plural). It stays masculine.
Is the word 'virus' pronounced differently in Spanish than in English?
Yes, slightly. In Spanish, the 'v' is usually pronounced like a soft 'b' sound, and the emphasis is on the first syllable: BEE-roos. The English pronunciation often emphasizes the 'v' sound.