herpesvirus

noun

her·pes·vi·rus | \ ˌhər-(ˌ)pēz-ˈvī-rəs

Definition of herpesvirus

: any of a family (Herpesviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses that include the cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus and the causative agents of chicken pox, herpes simplex, Marek's disease, roseola infantum, and shingles

Examples of herpesvirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team found more viral DNA in Alzheimer’s brains compared with healthy brains—specifically, high levels of DNA from human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A). — Melinda Wenner Moyer, Scientific American, "Harder Evidence Builds that Viruses Play a Role in Alzheimer’s," 21 June 2018 And genes that seemed to make tissues more susceptible to harm from the herpesviruses were expressed most strongly in two brain areas that are especially damaged in Alzheimer’s, Dr. Dudley said. — Pam Belluck, New York Times, "A Common Virus May Play Role in Alzheimer’s Disease, Study Finds," 21 June 2018 The Houston Zoo has worked in recent years to control and treat the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, the leading cause of death for elephants in North America zoos, through a partnership with the Baylor College of Medicine. — Jennifer Radcliffe, Houston Chronicle, "Houston Zoo welcomes 345-pound elephant calf born on Father's Day," 17 June 2018 Today a deadly herpes virus, Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1), is threatening Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), the world’s most popular and valuable oyster species. — Colleen Burge, Smithsonian, "Oysters Can Get Herpes, And It’s Killing Them," 12 Sep. 2017

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