arenavirus

[ ahr-en-ey-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural ar·en·a·vi·rus·es.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arenavirus¹

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