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

“We have to be really careful when we start just using random antiviral drugs that haven’t been studied for safety in cats, because they are so likely to get bad side effects.”

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And these viral genes may protect us against other viral infections in some cases, or provide antiviral resistance, immunizing rare individuals against HIV for example.

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The owner wasn’t tested for influenza, declined antiviral treatment and ended communication with the investigators.

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Nevertheless, it said it had traced everyone the person had been in contact with and offered them antiviral treatment.

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If the connection between the virus and Alzheimer’s is proven, antivirals could then be used to potentially treat the disease.

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