noun · neutral
virus
/ˈvaɪrəs/VI·rus
a small infectious agent that can cause disease in people, animals, or plants
Examples
“The doctor said the illness was caused by a virus, not bacteria.”
“Viruses can spread quickly in crowded places.”
“Proper hygiene helps reduce the chance of catching a virus.”
Band 8 sentence
“During the winter months, respiratory viruses circulate widely, so vaccination and hand hygiene are important.”
Collocations
- catch a virus / spread a virus
- viral infection
Word family
Common mistakes
I am infected with the virus.→I am infected with a virus / I have a virus.
Virus is smaller than bacteria, it are invisible.→Viruses are smaller than bacteria; they are invisible to the naked eye.
Say it for a higher band
5germ→6viral infection→7+virus
Synonyms
germ
Easily confused
bacteria
“Many infections are caused by bacteria which can be treated with antibiotics.”
Related words
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In Health & Fitness
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