On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 09:52:23 GMT, Ian Wolfe
wrote:

In message
martin wrote:


[snip]

Virus means dirt, filth.

Latin for poison actually

Actually its basic meaning was a slimy liquid, eg animal sperm.
By extension, a poisonous liquid, or poison.
Further, an offensive odour or stench.
And finally, a sharp saline taste.

I was quoting Oxford Dictionary of Current English.
I forgot most of the Latin I learnt 50 years ago.
--
Martin