definitions

arenavirus

[ ahr-en-ey-vahy-ruh s ]
/ ˌɑr ɛnˈeɪˌvaɪ rəs /

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.

Nearby words

arena chapel, arena theater, arena theatre, arenaceous, arenaviridae, arenavirus, arendt, arene, arenicolous, arenite, arenose

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. 2019

Medicine definitions for arenavirus

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.