The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
antivirus software antivirus antivirus programPrograms to detect and remove computer viruses. The simplest kind scans executable files and boot blocks for a list of known viruses. Others are constantly active, attempting to detect the actions of general classes of viruses. antivirus software should always include a regular update service allowing it to keep up with the latest viruses as they are released. (1998-02-25)