myxovirus

noun

myxo·vi·rus ˈmik-sə-ˌvī-rəs

: any of a former family (Myxoviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that included the orthomyxoviruses and the paramyxoviruses

myxoviral

ˌmik-sə-ˈvī-rəl

adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from myxo- myxo- + virus virus; so named for their affinity for certain mucins

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of myxovirus was in 1954

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Myxovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myxovirus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

myxovirus

noun

myxo·vi·rus ˈmik-sə-ˌvī-rəs

: any of the viruses now classified in the families Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae that were formerly included in a now rejected family (Myxoviridae)

myxoviral

ˌmik-sə-ˈvī-rəl

adjective

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

paroxysm

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

myxovirus

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near myxovirus

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition