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 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 The study also cited cancer risk from infections such as hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, human papillomavirus and Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for Epstein-Barr virus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Epstein-Barr virus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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