virulency

noun

1. quality of being virulent.
2. Bacteriology.
   1. the relative ability of a microorganism to cause disease; degree of pathogenicity.
   2. the capability of a microorganism to cause disease.
3. venomous hostility.
4. intense sharpness of temper.

noun

1. the quality of being virulent
2. the capacity of a microorganism for causing disease

n.

1660s (virulency attested from 1610s), from Latin virulentia, from virulentus (see virulent).

n.

1. The quality of being poisonous.
2. The capacity of a microorganism to cause disease.

The capacity of a pathogen, such as a microorganism or toxin, to produce disease.