DNA virus

noun

: a virus whose genome consists of DNA

Examples of DNA virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is quite effective when the guide RNA can base-pair with a DNA virus, as the resulting cut will inactivate the virus. — ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026

The virus is now known to be a DNA virus that is genetically related to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause benign warts or certain types of cancer in humans. — Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

This analysis revealed a new phylum of DNA viruses that are shaped like herpesviruses and infect eukaryotes but share a key enzyme with large and giant viruses. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 25 Apr. 2023

Both are RNA viruses, which mutate much more easily than DNA viruses—hence the dozens of variants and subvariants spun out of the original version of SARS-CoV-2. — Larry Brilliant, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for DNA virus

• desirous
• lathyrus
• osiris
• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus

Medical Definition

DNA virus

noun

: a virus whose genome consists of DNA