Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˈbär- 

: a herpesvirus (Lymphocryptovirus humangamma4) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

—abbreviation EBV

Examples of Epstein-Barr virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists have found the clearest evidence yet that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – which nearly all of us carry for life – is directly responsible for hijacking our immune system's cells to cause lupus, a chronic disease that affects up to a million Americans. —New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025

The research, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggests that Epstein-Barr virus — which 95% of people acquire at some point in life — could cause lupus by driving the body to attack its own healthy cells. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025

For Woodruff, The Green Kitchen was born out of her own healing journey after overcoming the Epstein-Barr virus and heavy metal toxicity through mindful eating and nutrient-dense foods. —Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025

These include: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): EBV is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or mono. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 26 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Michael Anthony Epstein born 1921 and Yvonne M. Barr born 1932 English pathologists

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Epstein-Barr virus

• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rhinovirus
• rotavirus

Medical Definition

Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˌbär- 

: a herpesvirus (Lymphocryptovirus humangamma4) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

—abbreviation EBV

called also EB virus