computer virus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A virus requires a host file or program to attach to and typically needs user action to spread (e.g., opening a file). A worm is a standalone program that can self-replicate and spread automatically across networks without user intervention.

Typically, viruses target software and data. However, a virus can cause hardware damage indirectly by, for example, overloading a component (like a fan control) or issuing harmful firmware updates, but this is rare. Physical damage is not their primary function.

Yes, but in professional cybersecurity contexts, it is often used as a specific subtype under the broader category of 'malware'. Laypeople still use 'virus' as a general term for all malicious software.

The term was coined by analogy to biological viruses. It is attributed to Leonard M. Adleman in 1983, though the concept was described earlier. The first self-replicating program in the wild, 'Brain' in 1986, was called a virus.

A malicious software program designed to spread from computer to computer and interfere with normal operations.

Computer virus is usually formal, technical, everyday (due to common use) in register.

Computer virus: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːtə ˌvaɪrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːt̬ɚ ˌvaɪrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.