virulence

[Fr. virulence, from Latin viru lenti a, from virulent us =virulent (q. v.); Sp. & Port. 1. Lit.: The quality or state of being virulent or extremely poisonous, venomous, or injurious to life. "A general dejection prevailed amongst us, which added much to the virulence of the disease." - Anson: Voyages, bk. i., ch. x. virulencia; Ital. virulenza.] 2. Fig .: Extreme acrimony, bitterne , or malignity. "The virulence of party hesitates not to represent royalty itself in situatious which must render it contemptible."-Knox: Winter Evenings , even. 27.