
Virus | Definition, Structure, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 17, 2025 · Virus, infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. Viruses possess unique infective properties and …
Virus Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
VIRUS meaning: 1 : an extremely small particle that causes a disease and that spreads from one person or animal to another; 2 : a disease or illness caused by a virus a viral disease
Structure and features of viruses | Britannica
virus, Microscopic, simple infectious agent that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria.
virus - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
A virus reproduces itself by taking over a living cell and making it into a virus factory. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Computer virus | Definition & Facts | Britannica
A virus consists of a set of instructions that attaches itself to other computer programs, usually in the computer’s operating system, and becomes part of them.
Virus - Infection, Host, Replication | Britannica
Dec 17, 2025 · Virus: invasion of a cell The process by which a virus invades a cell and reproduces. Although the reproductive pathways of different viruses vary considerably, there …
Virology | viruses, pathogens, disease | Britannica
virus, infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. The name is from a Latin word meaning “slimy liquid” or “poison.”
Virus - Integration, Replication, Host Cells | Britannica
Dec 17, 2025 · Virus - Integration, Replication, Host Cells: Many bacterial and animal viruses lie dormant in the infected cell, and their DNA may be integrated into the DNA of the host cell …
Virus - Evolution, Strains, Mutations | Britannica
Dec 17, 2025 · Virus - Evolution, Strains, Mutations: Viruses that infect animals can jump from one species to another, causing a new, usually severe disease in the new host.
SIV | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Britannica
The virus infects primates of the infraorder Simiiformes, which includes the so-called anthropoids—apes, monkeys, and humans. SIV is transmitted through contact with infected …