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

While it isn't curable, antiviral medication developed in the '90s means that patients can live long and healthy lives.

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“Stay home when sick and seek early testing and antivirals if you’re high-risk and develop symptoms,” he said.

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Because there are no approved antiviral treatments, vaccination remains essential for prevention.

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Healthy high-risk people, such as older individuals, can be prescribed antiviral drugs like Tamiflu if another household member has the flu, Chin-Hong said.

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Merck & Co. is buying the developer of an experimental antiviral drug designed to prevent the flu, as the drugmaker aims to counter sales cliffs for two of its biggest drugs.

Read more on MarketWatch