On Fri, Dec14,01 13:02, Jamin W. Collins wrote:
> On Fri, 2001-12-14 at 12:52, tps12 wrote:
> > On 13 Dec 2001, Jamin W. Collins wrote:
> > 
> > > Agreed, but the plural of virus is viruses.  It's a common misconception
> > > that it's virii (I too thought it was).  A quick search will reveal the
> > > reasons.
> > 
> > My quick search didn't turn anything up, regarding the reason for this. Of
> > course, I can see it wouldn't be "virii," but why not "viri?" Also, while
> > "viruses" might be the most often seen English plural of "virus," I don't
> > think anyone can be faulted for pluralizing in the language of origin.
> > Though people who use two "i"s should be shot.
> 
> Quick search for "virus plural" done on www.google.com.  A few links:
> 
> http://www.cknow.com/vtutor/vtplural.htm
> http://www.dictionary.com/doctor/faq/v/virus.html
>

As the second link notes, check out this article:

http://www.perl.com/language/misc/virus.html

which is certainly an interesting discussion of languages. I think I walked
away from reading that, more confused then when I began. Oh well... I'll
just CVS my previous revision of understanding, and move on.

> Note: I didn't really fault anyone, I simply corrected the statement.
>

And an excellent correction it is. This past august, while playing scrabble,
I pondered why virii wasn't listed... I was a tool. :)

DC

-- 
Derek Cunningham
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

"All men by nature desire to know." -- Aristotle.

Registered Linux User Number 195825

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