arenavirus

[ ahr-en-ey-vahy-ruh s ]
/ ˌɑr ɛnˈeɪˌvaɪ rəs /

noun, plural ar·en·a·vi·rus·es.

any of various RNA-containing viruses of the family Arenaviridae, usually transmitted to humans by contact with excreta of infected rodents.

Origin of arenavirus

1971; earlier arenovirus (1970) < Latin (h)arēn(a) sand + -o- + virus; so called from the RNA granules seen in cross sections of the virion

Words nearby arenavirus

arena chapel, arena theater, arena theatre, arenaceous, arenaviridae, arenavirus, arendt, arene, arenicolous, arenite, arenose

Medical definitions for arenavirus

Arenavirus
[ ăr′ə-nə-vī′rəs, ə-rē′nə- ]

n.

The single genus of viruses in the family Arenaviridae that includes the viruses that cause lymphocytic choriomeningitis and Lassa fever.