arenavirus

[ahr-en-ey-vahy-ruh s]

noun, plural ar·en·a·vi·rus·es.

any of various RNA-containing viruses of the family Arenaviridae, usually transmitted to humans by contact with excreta of infected rodents.

Origin of arenavirus

1971; earlier arenovirus (1970) < Latin (h)arēn(a) sand + -o- + virus; so called from the RNA granules seen in cross sections of the virion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

arenavirus in Medicine

Arenavirus

[ăr′ə-nə-vī′rəs, ə-rē′nə-]

n.

The single genus of viruses in the family Arenaviridae that includes the viruses that cause lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Lassa fever.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.