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Zika virus

American  
[zee-kuh vahy-ruhs] / ˈzi kə ˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

  1. a chiefly mosquito-borne virus of the genus Flavivirus that causes Zika, a mild illness.

  2. the illness itself, typically characterized by mild fever, rash, and joint pain; Zika.


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.

After all, this was the year that brought Brexit, the Zika virus outbreak and the deaths of David Bowie, George Michael and Prince.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Tamara had microcephaly - an abnormally small head - one of many conditions resulting from her mother being infected with the Zika virus while pregnant.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025

Zika virus can be spread this way, though the viruses are entirely different species.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2025

Rosenbergiella_YN46 also hampered Zika virus in both species, and it thwarted infection in A. albopictus mosquitoes that bit dengue-infected mice.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 17, 2024

Polluted air, bacteria-infested water, and the Zika virus.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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