polyhedrosis

noun

poly·​he·​dro·​sis ˌpä-lē-hē-ˈdrō-səs 

plural polyhedroses ˌpä-lē-hē-ˈdrō-ˌsēz 

: any of numerous diseases that affect specific insect larvae or decapod crustaceans, that are caused by double-stranded DNA viruses of a family (Baculoviridae) or by reoviruses of a genus (Cypovirus), and that are characterized by dissolution of tissues and accumulation of virus-containing granules in the resultant fluid

Word History

Etymology

polyhedr(al) + -osis; so named from the characteristic polyhedral capsid that encloses the virus

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above