filterable virus

noun

1. a virus particle small enough to pass through a filter of diatomaceous earth or porcelain, which will not pass bacteria: chiefly historical or an informal indicator of size, as synthetic membrane filters now permit passage of the smallest virus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of filterable virus¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The term virus or filterable virus is likewise applied to these ultramicroscopic and filterable agents.

From Project Gutenberg

The disease so produced is not contagious, and the contagious element seems to be due to the filterable virus.

From Project Gutenberg