picornavirus

noun

pi·​cor·​na·​vi·​rus (ˌ)pē-ˌkȯr-nə-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce picornavirus (audio)
: any of a family (Picornaviridae) of small single-stranded RNA viruses that include the causative agents of encephalomyocarditis, hepatitis A, polio, foot-and-mouth disease, and hand, foot and mouth disease compare enterovirus, rhinovirus

Word History

Etymology

pico- + RNA + virus

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of picornavirus was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near picornavirus

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

picornavirus

noun
pi·​cor·​na·​vi·​rus (ˌ)pē-ˌkȯr-nə-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce picornavirus (audio)
: any of the family Picornaviridae of single-stranded RNA viruses

More from Merriam-Webster on picornavirus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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