DNA virus

noun

: a virus whose genome consists of DNA

Examples of DNA virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This analysis revealed a new phylum of DNA viruses that are shaped like herpesviruses and infect eukaryotes but share a key enzyme with large and giant viruses. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 25 Apr. 2023 Both are RNA viruses, which mutate much more easily than DNA viruses—hence the dozens of variants and subvariants spun out of the original version of SARS-CoV-2. Larry Brilliant, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2022 So adenoviruses are DNA viruses that are in the environment. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023 This is a small, non-enveloped DNA virus in the Dependoparvovirus genus. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 25 July 2022 Monkeypox is a DNA virus, which does not mutate as fast as RNA viruses like the coronavirus. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 4 June 2022 The herpesvirus is a DNA virus (remember those? Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA virus was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near DNA virus

Cite this Entry

“DNA virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA%20virus. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

DNA virus

noun
: a virus whose genome consists of DNA
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!