Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˈbär- How to pronounce Epstein-Barr virus (audio)
: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
abbreviation EBV

Examples of Epstein-Barr 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.
For Stephenson, that moment arrived after she was forced to cancel her wedding in Italy due to reactivated Epstein-Barr virus, a diagnosis that interrupted her whirlwind life in fashion and nonprofit leadership. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 Oct. 2024 Risk factors include having low vitamin D levels, smoking cigarettes, and having Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis (mono). Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Rn-Bc, Health, 24 Sep. 2024 These include Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster (chicken pox), and Lyme disease. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024 Other risk factors that contributed to cancer cases at a lesser degree include eating red and processed meat; low consumption of fruits and vegetables; and infections with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV), according to researchers. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for Epstein-Barr virus 

Word History

Etymology

Michael Anthony Epstein born1921 and Yvonne M. Barr born1932 English pathologists

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Epstein-Barr virus was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near Epstein-Barr virus

Cite this Entry

“Epstein-Barr virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Epstein-Barr%20virus. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

Epstein-Barr virus

noun
Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˌbär- How to pronounce Epstein-Barr virus (audio)
: a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 4 of the genus Lymphocryptovirus) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
abbreviation EBV

called also EB virus

More from Merriam-Webster on Epstein-Barr virus

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