enterovirus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Medical/Scientific/Formal
Quick answer
What does “enterovirus” mean?
Any of a group of RNA viruses that typically multiply in the gastrointestinal tract but can cause disease elsewhere, especially polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of a group of RNA viruses that typically multiply in the gastrointestinal tract but can cause disease elsewhere, especially polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses.
A class of small, non-enveloped viruses that are transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can cause a wide range of illnesses, from mild respiratory infections and hand, foot, and mouth disease to more severe conditions like meningitis, myocarditis, and acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside medical/scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “enterovirus” in a Sentence
The [disease/outbreak] was caused by an enterovirus.Doctors tested for enterovirus in the cerebrospinal fluid.Enterovirus [type/subtype] is associated with [condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enterovirus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The patient showed signs of an enteroviral meningitis.
- Enteroviral infections are more common in summer.
American English
- The lab confirmed an enteroviral cause for the myocarditis.
- Enteroviral testing was ordered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical or public health industry reports.
Academic
Common in medical, virology, epidemiology, and public health literature.
Everyday
Very rare. May appear in news reports during outbreaks of specific types like EV-D68.
Technical
Core term in virology and clinical medicine for diagnosis and research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enterovirus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enterovirus”
- Misspelling as 'interovirus' or 'entereovirus'.
- Using as a general term for 'stomach bug' (many stomach bugs are not caused by enteroviruses).
- Confusing enterovirus with rotavirus or norovirus (different viral families).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Enteroviruses belong to a completely different virus family (Picornaviridae) than influenza viruses. They cause different spectrums of disease, though both can cause respiratory symptoms.
Yes, while children are more commonly and severely affected, adults can be infected. They often have milder symptoms or may be asymptomatic carriers.
Yes, the poliovirus is the prototypical and most historically significant member of the enterovirus genus. 'Non-polio enteroviruses' refer to all the other types.
Good hygiene is key: frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing nappies, and before eating. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and disinfecting contaminated surfaces also helps.
Any of a group of RNA viruses that typically multiply in the gastrointestinal tract but can cause disease elsewhere, especially polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses.
Enterovirus is usually medical/scientific/formal in register.
Enterovirus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛntərəʊˈvaɪrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛntəroʊˈvaɪrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENTERO (relating to the intestines, like in 'gastroenteritis') + VIRUS. It's a virus that often starts its journey in the gut.
Conceptual Metaphor
A stealth invader: enters through the gut but can attack the nervous system/heart.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary transmission route for enteroviruses?