reovirus

noun

reo·​vi·​rus ˌrē-ō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce reovirus (audio)
: any of a family (Reoviridae) of double-stranded RNA viruses that have a virion with icosahedral structural symmetry but may appear spherical, that have a capsid with one to three concentric protein layers, and that include many plant or animal pathogens (such as the rotaviruses and the causative agent of bluetongue)

Word History

Etymology

respiratory enteric orphan (i.e., unidentified) virus

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reovirus was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near reovirus

Cite this Entry

“Reovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reovirus. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

reovirus

noun
reo·​vi·​rus ˌrē-ō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce reovirus (audio)
: any of the family Reoviridae of double-stranded RNA viruses
reoviral adjective

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