Epstein-Barr virus

American  

[ep-stahyn bahr vahy-ruhs] / ˈɛp staɪn ˈbɑr ˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

1. a type of herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis. EBV

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Epstein-Barr virus British  

/ ˈɛpstaɪn ˈbɑː /

noun

1.  EBV.  a virus belonging to the herpes family that causes infectious mononucleosis; it is also implicated in the development of Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease

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Epstein-Barr virus Scientific  

/ ĕp′stīn-bär′ /

1. A virus of the family Herpesviridae and the genus Lymphocryptovirus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with several types of human cancers. It is named after two of its discoverers, British pathologist Michael Anthony Epstein (born 1921) and British virologist Yvonne M. Barr (born 1932).

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Etymology

Origin of Epstein-Barr virus

Named after British pathologist Sir Michael Anthony Epstein (1921–2024) and Irish virologist Yvonne Margaret Barr (1932–2016), who co-discovered the virus in 1964

Example Sentences

"In transplant patients, it's standard practice to use drugs against various viruses. Until now, there's been nothing specific for preventing or treating Epstein-Barr virus associated disease," says Hess.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2024

The coroner concluded that Ivy's death had been as a result of multi-organ failure caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2024

The pathogen that came to bear his and Dr. Barr’s names — Epstein-Barr virus — belongs to the herpes family and is one of the most ubiquitous on the planet.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2024

"If we knew back in the '90s, for instance, what we know now about Epstein-Barr virus causing multiple sclerosis, you better believe we'd have done a lot more to prevent that from happening."

From Salon • Aug. 13, 2023

Epstein-Barr virus is among the most common of these herpes viruses: An estimated 90% of the U.S. population has been infected with it.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2022