
Virus | Definition, Structure, & Facts | Britannica
6 days ago · Virus, infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. Viruses possess unique infective properties and thus …
Virology | viruses, pathogens, disease | Britannica
A virus is an infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria.
Computer virus | Definition & Facts | Britannica
Oct 18, 2025 · A virus consists of a set of instructions that attaches itself to other computer programs, usually in the computer’s operating system, and becomes part of them.
Bacteriophage | Definition, Life Cycle, & Research | Britannica
Oct 31, 2025 · A bacteriophage is any of a group of viruses that infect bacteria. Bacteriophages were discovered independently by Frederick W. Twort in Great Britain (1915) and Felix …
Trojan | malware, viruses, security | Britannica
Nov 14, 2025 · malware, malicious computer program, or “ mal icious soft ware,” such as viruses, trojans, spyware, and worms. Malware typically infects a personal computer (PC) through e …
Structure and features of viruses | Britannica
virus, Microscopic, simple infectious agent that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria.
Capsid | virus structure | Britannica
The protein capsid provides the second major criterion for the classification of viruses. The capsid surrounds the virus and is composed of a finite number of protein subunits known as …
Malware | Computing Security & Prevention | Britannica
Oct 16, 2025 · Malware, malicious computer program, or “malicious software,” such as viruses, trojans, spyware, and worms. Malware typically infects a personal computer (PC) through e …
virus - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
Viruses are tiny particles that cause disease in people, other animals, and plants. Different viruses cause the common cold, influenza (flu), chicken pox, measles, AIDS, and many other diseases.
Definition, Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention - Britannica
Nov 29, 2025 · Influenza is caused by viruses in the family Orthomyxoviridae. Learn more about the classification of influenza viruses, influenza outbreaks, and influenza symptoms and …