Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˈbär- 

: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

—abbreviation EBV

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2018, Anthony was forced to retire from competitive racing after contracting the Epstein-Barr virus. —Brion O'connor, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Sep. 2022

There are other viral illnesses that produce a post-viral fatigue syndrome, such as infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as mono, which is more commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. —Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2022

Another possibility is that a COVID infection makes people more susceptible to other viruses already present in the body, such as the Epstein-Barr virus. —Sasha Warren, Scientific American, 21 July 2022

Another was a history of Epstein-Barr virus, which many people can have at a younger age (typically as mononucleosis) and then lives on in the body. —Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, 26 Jan. 2022

Some experts believe that environmental factors, such as getting the Epstein-Barr virus, may trigger MS in people who are already at risk for the condition5. —Korin Miller, SELF, 12 Nov. 2021

On the virus list are adenoviruses, hepatitis B and C viruses, parvoviruses, herpes simplex viruses, echoviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, rubella, HIV, and possibly, drum roll please, the Covid-19 coronavirus. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021

After two days of tests, it was discovered that Kadeo had Epstein-Barr virus, which triggered a rare disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). —Kyle Neddenriep, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Apr. 2021

Multiple sclerosis is often associated with the commonplace Epstein-Barr virus, rheumatic fever with the same bacteria that cause strep throat, and Lyme, famously, with bites from ticks that carry a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi. —Ross Douthat, Star Tribune, 2 Feb. 2021

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Word History

Etymology

Michael Anthony Epstein born1921 and Yvonne M. Barr born1932 English pathologists

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˌbär- 

: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

—abbreviation EBV

called also EB virus