poxvirus

American

[poks-vahy-ruhs] / ˈpɒksˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

plural

poxviruses

any of a group of large, brick-shaped DNA-containing viruses that infect humans and other animals, including the viruses of smallpox and various other poxes.

Etymology

Origin of poxvirus

First recorded in 1940–45; pox + virus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These had been developed and stockpiled in the US and Europe, mostly in preparation for a potential bioweapon attack using a poxvirus.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2024

Separate from WHO’s decision, ICTV’s poxvirus group had a vote on whether to change the scientific name for the virus that causes mpox.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 3, 2024

Variola virus, the most notorious poxvirus and one of the deadliest viruses to have afflicted humans, wreaked havoc by causing smallpox until it was eradicated in 1980.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2024

Justice, in my mind, would be for your boss to have to go confess to the new gym owner that he passed along a potentially toxic candidate like a used tumbling mat covered with poxvirus.

From Washington Post • Mar. 9, 2023

In past outbreaks involving this poxvirus, animals — especially rodents — have been the primary source of transmission to humans.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023