arbovirus

noun

ar·​bo·​vi·​rus ˌär-bə-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce arbovirus (audio)
: any of various RNA viruses (as an arenavirus, bunyavirus, or flavivirus) that are transmitted chiefly by arthropods and include the causative agents of dengue, encephalitis, sandfly fever, and yellow fever
arboviral
ˌär-bə-ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce arbovirus (audio)
adjective
arboviral encephalitis
arboviral infections

Examples of arbovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As an example, a study by the Borja Institute measured the transmission of arboviruses before, during, and after the construction of dams for the Panama Canal. — Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024 Navarro has dedicated 30 years to studying arboviruses such as dengue, equine encephalitis, Mayaro, and, since 2016, Oropouche. — Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

arthropod-borne virus

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arbovirus was in 1960

Rhymes for arbovirus

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Browse Nearby Words

arbour
arbovirus
arbtrn
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Cite this Entry

“Arbovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbovirus. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

arbovirus

noun
ar·​bo·​vi·​rus -ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce arbovirus (audio)
: any of various RNA viruses (as an arenavirus, bunyavirus, or flavivirus) transmitted principally by arthropods and including the causative agents of encephalitis, yellow fever, and dengue
arboviral
-rəl How to pronounce arbovirus (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on arbovirus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arbovirus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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