zanamivir

noun

za·​nam·​i·​vir zə-ˈna-mə-ˌvir How to pronounce zanamivir (audio)
: an antiviral drug C12H20N4O7 that is a neuraminidase inhibitor taken by oral inhalation in the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B
Zanamivir and oseltamivir block a key viral enzyme, neuraminidase, and reduce the duration of ordinary flu symptoms by a day or two, if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.—Debora MacKenzie

Word History

Etymology

zan- (of undetermined origin) + -ami-, infix denoting a neuraminidase inhibitor (from neuraminidase) + -vir, combining element denoting an antiviral compound (from virus)

Note: According to the prescriptions of the U.S. Adopted Names Council, the initial element in generic drug names is to be meaningless.

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zanamivir was in 1997

Dictionary Entries Near zanamivir

Zamzummim

zanamivir

Zanclidae

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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

zanamivir

noun
za·​nam·​i·​vir zə-ˈnam-ə-ˌvir How to pronounce zanamivir (audio)
: an antiviral drug C12H20N4O7 administered by oral inhalation in the treatment of influenza A and B
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