virology

[ vahy-rol-uh-jee, vi- ]

noun

1. the science dealing with the study of viruses and the diseases caused by them.

virology

/ vaɪˈrɒlədʒɪ; ˌvaɪrəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the study of viruses and the diseases they cause

virology

/ vī-rŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of viruses and viral diseases.

Derived Forms

• viˈrologist, noun
• virological, adjective

Other Words From

• vi·ro·log·i·cal [vahy-r, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• vi·rol·o·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of virology¹

First recorded in 1930–35; vir(us) + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

In virology, historically, attenuated vaccines were generated by gain-of-function studies, which took human virus pathogens and adapted them for improved growth in cell culture, which reduced virus virulence in the natural human host.

From MIT Technology Review

At first, I was captivated by the virology and epidemiology of the pandemic, but these were human lives, and ultimately those of my family.

From Time

More recently, Fauci has been targeted for having repeatedly urged caution on the idea that the virus emerged after escaping from a virology lab in China.

From Washington Post

In Cambodia, Erik Karlsson of the virology unit at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge says the latest outbreak was likely caused by a breach of the country’s strict quarantine measures.

From Time

Now, coverage is shifting away from topics like epidemiology and virology and to more core areas of science coverage, like other flu vaccines and the impact of the anti-vaxxer movement on parents and their children.

From Digiday