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virus means virus — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 31, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

virus

noun • /[VEE-rus]/

virus

Example:

El virus se transmite fácilmente.

The virus spreads easily.

🧠 What does virus mean?

A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. In Spanish, the word 'virus' is used in the same medical context to refer to these infectious agents and the diseases they cause.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico diagnosticó una infección por virus.
    The doctor diagnosed a viral infection.
  • Hay que lavarse las manos para prevenir la propagación del virus.
    One must wash their hands to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • La vacuna protege contra este tipo de virus.
    The vaccine protects against this type of virus.
  • Se sospecha que el brote se debe a un nuevo virus.
    It is suspected that the outbreak is due to a new virus.
  • El sistema inmunológico combate el virus.
    The immune system fights the virus.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'virus' is the direct translation and widely used, the adjective form 'viral' is also very common, as in 'infección viral' (viral infection) or 'enfermedad viral' (viral disease).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "virus"

Synonyms: agente infeccioso, microorganismo (when referring to the entity itself)
Opposites: bacteria, antibiótico

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'virus' in Spanish?
The word for 'virus' in Spanish is 'virus'.
How do you pronounce 'virus' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'virus' in Spanish is 'VEE-roos', with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'virus' in a sentence?
The word 'virus' is used similarly to English, referring to the infectious agent or a disease caused by it. For example, 'El paciente tiene un virus.' (The patient has a virus.)
What is the English translation of 'virus'?
The English translation of 'virus' is 'virus'.
Does 'virus' change for gender or number?
No, 'virus' is a masculine noun and is invariable in number. It remains 'virus' whether referring to one or multiple viruses.
Is 'virus' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'virus' is a common word in everyday Spanish, especially in discussions about health, medicine, and current events.
Does 'virus' have slang or double meanings?
In its primary medical context, 'virus' does not typically have slang or double meanings. However, the term can metaphorically refer to something that spreads rapidly and causes harm, similar to its English usage.
Is 'virus' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage and meaning of 'virus' are virtually identical in Spain and Latin America. It refers to the same medical concept.

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