This is the 108th most frequent Afrikaans word.
virus
A microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only within the cells of a host organism.
Here, 'virus' is used to describe malicious software that affects computers.
Die rekenaar het 'n virus opgedoen.
The computer contracted a virus.
In this context, 'virus' refers to a biological pathogen that causes illness.
Die griepvirus versprei vinnig in die winter.
The flu virus spreads quickly in winter.
This usage is metaphorical, comparing the rapid spread of an idea to the way a virus propagates.