rhinovirus

noun

rhi·​no·​vi·​rus ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs 

plural rhinoviruses

: any of three enteroviruses (Enterovirus alpharhino, E. betarhino, and E. cerhino) having numerous serotypes causing respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans

Examples of rhinovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Well, this research team from Yale found that their laboratory noses could produce interferons that could then keep the rhinovirus from infecting cells and thus limit the spread of the virus. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Studies have shown that zinc lozenges or syrup adhere to the mouth and throat, placing zinc directly in contact with rhinoviruses. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026

The culprits that can trigger a sore throat include rhinoviruses (the most common cause of colds), influenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025

The common cold is typically caused by rhinoviruses. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rhinovirus

• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• cytomegalovirus

Medical Definition

rhinovirus

noun

rhi·​no·​vi·​rus ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs 

: any of three enteroviruses (Enterovirus alpharhino, E. betarhino, and E. cerhino) having numerous serotypes that cause respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans