reovirus

noun

reo·​vi·​rus ˌrē-ō-ˈvī-rəs 

: any of a family (Reoviridae) of double-stranded RNA viruses that have a virion with icosahedral structural symmetry but may appear spherical, that have a capsid with one to three concentric protein layers, and that include many plant or animal pathogens (such as the rotaviruses and the causative agent of bluetongue)

Word History

Etymology

respiratory enteric orphan (i.e., unidentified) virus

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

reovirus

noun

reo·​vi·​rus ˌrē-ō-ˈvī-rəs 

: any of the family Reoviridae of double-stranded RNA viruses

reoviral

-rəl 

adjective