DNA virus

noun

: a virus whose genome consists of DNA

Examples of DNA virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 So adenoviruses are DNA viruses that are in the environment. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023 This is a small, non-enveloped DNA virus in the Dependoparvovirus genus. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 25 July 2022 Monkeypox is a DNA virus, which does not mutate as fast as RNA viruses like the coronavirus. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 4 June 2022 The herpesvirus is a DNA virus (remember those? Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'DNA virus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA virus was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near DNA virus

Cite this Entry

“DNA virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA%20virus. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

DNA virus

noun
: a virus whose genome consists of DNA
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