Noun

1. : A program which can be transmitted between computers via networks (especially the Internet) or removable storage such as CDs, USB drives, floppy disks, etc., generally without the knowledge or consent of the recipient. Results may range from nothing noticeable to deliberate damage to systems and data. The traditional view is that the program must be able to replicate itself to qualify.

Usage notes

• The term computer virus is often used instead of just virus to specify that a virus in the computing sense, rather than the biological sense, is being referred to.
• See also the note on the plural at virus.