antiviral

[ an-tahy-vahy-ruhl, an-tee- ]

adjective

1. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology.
   1. (of a drug or therapy) developed to effectively treat an infection caused by a virus.
   2. of or relating to a substance used to prevent or treat a viral infection:

      Raw garlic has been found to have antiviral properties.

2. Computers. (of software) programmed to detect, neutralize, and remove computer viruses.

noun

1. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology. an antiviral drug, other substance, or therapy.

antiviral

/ ˌæntɪˈvaɪrəl /

adjective

1. inhibiting the growth of viruses

noun

1. any antiviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes infections and AIDS

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiviral¹

First recorded in 1925–30; anti- ( def ) + viral ( def )

Example Sentences

One of the earliest contenders was remdesivir, an antiviral from biotech giant Gilead.

From Fortune

Interferon is an immune system chemical that triggers the body’s antiviral defenses.

From Science News

Now, antiviral treatments for hepatitis C can cure nearly 95 percent of infected patients.

From Popular-Science

The notorious chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are also antivirals, but this pair has yet to show any promise.

From Popular-Science

Ideally, production of the antiviral substance would be triggered when immune cells encounter SARS-CoV-2 genetic material, stopping rapid viral reproduction inside the body and averting complications, he said.

From Fortune

There is no known effective antiviral drug, no vaccine, and no preventative medication.

From The Daily Beast

A low count spelled serious trouble, whereas high and stable numbers were seen in those with a good response to antiviral drugs.

From The Daily Beast

It proved resistant to every one of the antibiotics and antiviral agents in the Lancet's stockroom.

From Project Gutenberg