'virologist' originates from the word 'virology,' which is derived from the Latin word 'virus,' meaning 'poison' or 'slimy liquid,' combined with the Greek suffix '-logist,' meaning 'one who studies.'

'virology' evolved from the Latin 'virus' and the Greek '-logia,' eventually forming the modern English term 'virologist.'

Initially, it referred to someone who studied 'poisonous substances,' but over time it evolved to specifically mean a scientist studying viruses.