RNA virus

American  

noun

1. any virus containing RNA; retrovirus.

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RNA virus Scientific  

1. A virus whose genome is composed of RNA. Retroviruses are RNA viruses.

2. Compare DNA virus

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Etymology

Origin of RNA virus

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

When delivering formal presentations on the pandemic, I often ask, “What was the bigger threat to society: the RNA virus that was the causative agent for disease, or the broken communication that undermined efforts to deliver responsible messaging to the citizen-science public?”

From Salon

An international team led by researchers at the University of Toronto has found a new RNA virus that they believe is hitching a ride with a common human parasite.

From Science Daily

First, she found that an RNA virus that caused encephalitis in mice lingered in their neurons.

From Science Magazine

"Finally discovering that there was one, and that it was a DNA virus rather than an RNA virus settled the score and also opened up a broad field of research to our team, as DNA viruses are understudied in fungi."

From Salon

Armed with a catalog of hundreds of thousands of DNA and RNA virus species in the world's oceans, scientists are now zeroing in on the viruses most likely to combat climate change by helping trap carbon dioxide in seawater or, using similar techniques, different viruses that may prevent methane's escape from thawing Arctic soil.

From Science Daily