polyhedrosis

noun

poly·​he·​dro·​sis ˌpä-lē-hē-ˈdrō-səs How to pronounce polyhedrosis (audio)
plural polyhedroses ˌpä-lē-hē-ˈdrō-ˌsēz How to pronounce polyhedrosis (audio)
: any of numerous diseases that affect specific insect larvae or decapod crustaceans, that are caused by double-stranded DNA viruses of a family (Baculoviridae) or by reoviruses of a genus (Cypovirus), and that are characterized by dissolution of tissues and accumulation of virus-containing granules in the resultant fluid

Word History

Etymology

polyhedr(al) + -osis; so named from the characteristic polyhedral capsid that encloses the virus

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyhedrosis was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near polyhedrosis

Cite this Entry

“Polyhedrosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyhedrosis. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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