Definition of viral

The word "viral" has its roots in the world of medicine and biology. Before the internet age, "viral" referred to the transmission of a disease or pathogen from one person to another through a viral vector, such as a mosquito or contaminated food. This usage of the word dates back to the 17th century. The term "viral" gained new meaning with the rise of digital media. In the 1980s, computer viruses, such as the Infostealer, began to spread through computer networks and infected devices. The term "viral" was adapted to describe the rapid spread of these digital malfunctions. In the early 2000s, with the advent of social media and online sharing, the term "viral" took on its modern meaning. A piece of content, such as a video or meme, was said to be "viral" if it spread rapidly and widely online, often becoming a global phenomenon overnight. Today, the word "viral" is commonly used to describe any content that gains widespread popularity and attention through digital means.