nounnoun
das Virus, Viren
virus
Ein sehr kleiner Krankheitserreger, der in andere Zellen eindringt und sich dort vermehrt. Er kann Menschen, Tiere oder Pflanzen krank machen.
The German word "Virus" refers to a virus, the same as in English — a microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms.
It is directly borrowed from Latin virus, meaning "poison" or "slime".
Similar German words:
- Erreger (pathogen, causative agent)
- Bakterium (bacterium)
- Keim (germ)
Difference:
- Virus specifically denotes viruses, which are distinct from bacteria (Bakterium) or general germs (Keim).
- Erreger is a broader term covering any disease-causing agent, including viruses and bacteria.
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Examples
Ein Virus kann gefährlich sein.noun
A virus can be dangerous.
Dieser Virus verändert häufig sein Erscheinungsbild.noun
This virus often changes its appearance.
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