Definition

A substance that kills viruses or inhibits their ability to reproduce.

Example

The hospital uses a powerful virucide to disinfect surfaces and prevent the spread of infections.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new virucide the lab is testing?

Yeah, I read about it; they say it’s really effective against viruses.

I wonder how long it will take for it to be available to the public.

Hopefully soon, especially with all the health concerns lately.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Virucide is formed from "virus" (from Latin *virus*, meaning poison or venom) and "-cide" (from Latin *caedere*, meaning to kill). The word refers to a substance that kills viruses.

Memory Tip

Think of 'virus' as something harmful and '-cide' meaning to kill — so a virucide is something that kills viruses.

Visually Confused Words