arbovirus

noun ar·bo·vi·rus \ ˌär-bə-ˈvī-rəs \

Definition of arbovirus

: any of various RNA viruses (as an arenavirus, bunyavirus, or flavivirus) that are transmitted chiefly by arthropods and include the causative agents of dengue, encephalitis, sandfly fever, and yellow fever

Recent Examples of arbovirus from the Web

Dr. John Cmar of Sinai Hospital is a specialist in infectious diseases and provides some perspective on Zika and other arboviruses — that is, diseases spread by bugs, mosquitoes and ticks.

— dan rodricks, baltimoresun.com, "Roughly Speaking podcast: How concerned should Americans be about Zika? (episode 247)," 8 May 2017
Unfortunately, arboviruses like Zika are notoriously difficult to control, says Murdock.

— National Geographic, "How La Niña Could Affect the Spread of Zika," 9 Aug. 2016

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

Origin and Etymology of arbovirus

arthropod-borne virus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1960

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

arbovirus

noun ar·bo·vi·rus \ -ˈvī-rəs \

medical Definition of arbovirus

: any of various RNA viruses (as an arenavirus, bunyavirus, or flavivirus) transmitted principally by arthropods and including the causative agents of encephalitis, yellow fever, and dengue

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