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virus

/ˈvaɪɹəs/

[C] 可算名詞

複数形: viruses

The word evokes a sense of invisible infiltration and uncontrolled replication. Whether biological or digital, the central image is an external agent that hijacks an existing system to propagate itself, often causing damage in the process. In a medical context, it carries a connotation of fragility and volatility (mutation) as well as vulnerability, since it requires a host to survive. It is used neutrally in science but often carries a tone of alarm or urgency in public health contexts. In computing, it implies a malicious, parasitic nature. While 'malware' is a broader term for any harmful software, 'virus' specifically suggests the ability to spread from one file or computer to another, mirroring the biological process.

意味

名詞

An infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule enclosed in a protein coat and is capable of multiplying only within living cells.

"The flu virus can mutate rapidly, making it difficult to create a universal vaccine."

名詞

A piece of code in a computer that inserts copies of itself into other programs, often with the intent of corrupting data or stealing information.

"The IT department warned staff not to open suspicious email attachments to avoid infecting their workstations with a computer virus."