acyclovir

noun

acy·clo·vir | \ (ˌ)ā-ˈsī-klō-ˌvir

\

Definition of acyclovir

: a cyclic synthetic nucleoside C₈H₁₁N₅O₃ used especially to treat the symptoms of chicken pox, shingles, and the genital form of herpes simplex

Examples of acyclovir in a Sentence

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Prescription antiviral medicines, including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, are not cures for shingles, but these drugs can weaken the virus, reduce pain, expedite healing, and stave off complications. — Health.com, "What Is Shingles?," 1 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acyclovir.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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acyclic machine

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The first known use of acyclovir was in 1979

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acyclovir

noun

acy·clo·vir | \ ˌā-ˈsī-klō-ˌvir

\

Medical Definition of acyclovir

: a cyclic nucleoside C₈H₁₁N₅O₃ used especially to treat shingles, genital herpes, and chicken pox — see zovirax

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