24 Oct
2016
24 Oct
'16
5:14 p.m.
> What is the plural of a computer virus?).
On Mon, 24 Oct 2016, Rich Alderson wrote:
Viruses.
The Latin word _virus_ means "slime, poison", and is a collective noun
. . .
Furthermore, it is a neuter (neither masculine nor feminine) o-stem noun,
. . .
The -i marker of nominative plurals is restricted to those masculine and
. . .
Neuters in all ancient Indo-European languages, such as Sanskrit, Greek, and
Latin, end in -a (or a regular development from *-a).
. . .
The word _virus_ was used as a synonym for _venom_ as late as the early 20th
. . .
modern usage derives from the medical term _filterable virus_, referring to a
More than you ever wanted to know, I'm sure.
Actually, NO.
You answered a long unresolved question.
Authoritatively, and with sufficient detail to facilitate further
research, or even to seek collaboration if there were doubts.
Thank you.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at xenosoft.com