Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˈbär- How to pronounce Epstein-Barr virus (audio)
: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
abbreviation EBV

Examples of Epstein-Barr virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The pathogen that came to bear his and Dr. Barr’s names — Epstein-Barr virus — belongs to the herpes family and is one of the most ubiquitous on the planet. Delthia Ricks, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Many cases, but not all, seem to develop in the aftermath of an acute infection, for example with the Epstein-Barr virus or other bugs. Will Stone, NPR, 23 Feb. 2024 There’s consensus that a surge in the Epstein-Barr virus has an association with some cancers of the stomach, nasal system and blood. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 And scientists have recently learned that infection with the common Epstein-Barr virus seriously increases the risk of a person developing the autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024 For example, the Epstein-Barr virus is linked to multiple sclerosis. TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 The search for usable data Several studies have documented the reactivation (or awakening) of a dormant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in some COVID-19 patients. Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2023 Pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus have been named as likely culprits behind chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 6 Oct. 2023 Several conditions are also risk factors for acute liver failure, Johns Hopkins adds, including hepatitis, Wilson's disease, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 5 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Epstein-Barr virus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Michael Anthony Epstein born1921 and Yvonne M. Barr born1932 English pathologists

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Epstein-Barr virus was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near Epstein-Barr virus

Cite this Entry

“Epstein-Barr virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Epstein-Barr%20virus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

Epstein-Barr virus

noun
Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˌbär- How to pronounce Epstein-Barr virus (audio)
: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
abbreviation EBV

called also EB virus

More from Merriam-Webster on Epstein-Barr virus

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