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virion
This term is a precise technical designation used in virology to distinguish a single, complete physical particle from the broader concept of a virus. While "virus" often refers to the biological entity or the disease-causing agent in general, "virion" specifically describes the extracellular form of the virus that is capable of infecting a new host cell.
Because it refers to a discrete physical unit, it is used primarily in laboratory and academic contexts when discussing quantification, structural analysis, or the mechanics of viral attachment. It is rarely used in casual conversation or general medical descriptions.