No. 108 in Afrikaans
virus
A microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only within the cells of a host organism.
In a sentence
Die rekenaar het 'n virus opgedoen.
The computer contracted a virus.
Here, 'virus' is used to describe malicious software that affects computers.
Die griepvirus versprei vinnig in die winter.
The flu virus spreads quickly in winter.
In this context, 'virus' refers to a biological pathogen that causes illness.
Die idee versprei soos 'n virus op sosiale media.
The idea spreads like a virus on social media.
This usage is metaphorical, comparing the rapid spread of an idea to the way a virus propagates.
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