myxovirus

noun

myxo·​vi·​rus ˈmik-sə-ˌvī-rəs How to pronounce myxovirus (audio)
: any of a former family (Myxoviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that included the orthomyxoviruses and the paramyxoviruses
myxoviral
ˌmik-sə-ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce myxovirus (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from myxo- myxo- + virus virus; so named for their affinity for certain mucins

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of myxovirus was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near myxovirus

myxotheca

myxovirus

myxoxanthin

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Myxovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myxovirus. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

myxovirus

noun
myxo·​vi·​rus ˈmik-sə-ˌvī-rəs How to pronounce myxovirus (audio)
: any of the viruses now classified in the families Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae that were formerly included in a now rejected family (Myxoviridae)
myxoviral
ˌmik-sə-ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce myxovirus (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on myxovirus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about myxovirus

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