virus = "any disease-causing organism whatsoever"

[Charles Doyle]

Perhaps the metaphorical use of the term "virus" in computer parlance has resulted in the broadening of the literal application to organic pathogens? After all, there ARE no computer bacteria!

--Charlie
_____________________________________________________________
---- Original message ----
>Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2007 08:43:38 -0700
>From: Jonathan Lighter <wuxxmupp2000 at YAHOO.COM>
>Subject: virus = "any disease-causing organism whatsoever"
>
>Fox News this morning: "The beef in your refrigerator could be contaminated with a deadly virus! We'll tell you exactly the brand you must not eat - and why!"
>
>  OK, don't eat "Moran's.". The "virus" turns out to be the aggressive kind of _E. coli_ bacteria.  A recall has been declared.
>
>  Some days ago an on-screen head was talking about the "virus" that causes bubonic plague, and why you should steer clear of rodents in Denver.
>
>  JL

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