respiratory syncytial virus


noun

a myxovirus causing infections of the nose and throat, esp in young children. It is thought to be involved in some cot deaths Abbreviation: RSV

Medical definitions for respiratory syncytial virus

respiratory syncytial virus

n.

An RNA-containing virus that causes minor respiratory infections in adults and bronchitis and bronchopneumonia in children.

Scientific definitions for respiratory syncytial virus

respiratory syncytial virus
[ rĕspər-ə-tôr′ē ]

A virus of the family Paromyxoviridae and the genus Pneumovirus that causes severe childhood respiratory infections, especially bronchiolitis in infants.