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viroid


vi·roid

noun \ˈvī-ˌrid\

Definition of VIROID

: any of two families (Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae) of subviral particles that consist of a small single-stranded RNA arranged in a closed loop without a protein shell and that replicate in their host plants where they may or may not be pathogenic

Origin of VIROID

New Latin virus + English -oid
First Known Use: 1971

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