arenavirus

noun

ar·​e·​na·​vi·​rus ˌer-ə-nə-ˈvī-rəs 

ˌa-rə-

: any of a family (Arenaviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses having a dense outer lipid envelope covered by numerous club-shaped projections and including the causative agents of lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Lassa fever

Examples of arenavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the lab, Arturo prepared grids of viral proteins to better visualize a particular pathogen—a type of arenavirus—and discover how to neutralize it. —Jillian Kramer, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, ultimately from Latin arena sand + New Latin virus; from the fine granules seen in cross sections of the virion

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

arenavirus

noun

are·​na·​vi·​rus

ˌar-ə-nə-ˈvī-rəs, ə-ˌrē-

1

capitalized : a genus of the family Arenaviridae that includes the Machupo virus, the Junin virus, and the causative agents of lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Lassa fever

2

: any of the family Arenaviridae of single-stranded RNA viruses