myxovirus

noun

myxo·​vi·​rus ˈmik-sə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of a former family (Myxoviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that included the orthomyxoviruses and the paramyxoviruses

myxoviral

ˌmik-sə-ˈvī-rəl 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from myxo- myxo- + virus virus; so named for their affinity for certain mucins

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

myxovirus

noun

myxo·​vi·​rus ˈmik-sə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of the viruses now classified in the families Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae that were formerly included in a now rejected family (Myxoviridae)

myxoviral

ˌmik-sə-ˈvī-rəl 

adjective