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

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Recent Examples of herpesvirus from the Web

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.

First Known Use of herpesvirus

1925

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

herpesvirus

noun her·pes·vi·rus \ -ˈvī-rəs \

medical Definition of herpesvirus

: any of a family Herpesviridae of double-stranded DNA viruses

Learn More about herpesvirus

See words that rhyme with herpesvirus Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about herpesvirus

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