antiviral

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce antiviral (audio)
ˌan-tī-
1
medical : acting, effective, or directed against viruses
an antiviral vaccine/drug
2
: used to protect a computer from viruses : antivirus
antiviral software

antiviral

2 of 2

noun

: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
antivirals used in treating influenza

Examples of antiviral 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.
Adjective
Infections are treated with the antiviral drug ribavirin. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 The antiviral drug ribavirin has been successful in treating patients. Addy Bink, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
Ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral that works well against RNA viruses and is also used to treat hepatitis C, is the primary treatment. Jen Christensen, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 Besides preventing complications, antivirals can also make your case of flu milder and shorter. Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antiviral 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiviral was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near antiviral

Cite this Entry

“Antiviral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiviral. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

antiviral

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​vi·​ral -ˈvi-rəl How to pronounce antiviral (audio)
variants also antivirus
: acting, effective, or directed against viruses
antiviral drugs

antiviral

2 of 2 noun
: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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