remdesivir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-Medium (Spiked during pandemic, now specialized)Technical/Scientific, Medical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “remdesivir” mean?
A synthetic antiviral drug developed to treat viral infections, most notably used in the treatment of COVID-19.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic antiviral drug developed to treat viral infections, most notably used in the treatment of COVID-19.
An intravenously administered nucleotide analogue prodrug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases, thereby interfering with viral replication. Its use expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency treatment for certain hospitalized patients.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of a pandemic-era treatment.
Frequency
Frequency closely tied to pandemic news cycles in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “remdesivir” in a Sentence
Patient + was given + remdesivirDoctor + prescribed + remdesivir + for + conditionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remdesivir” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The remdesivir therapy showed mixed results.
- The hospital's remdesivir protocol was updated.
American English
- The remdesivir treatment showed mixed results.
- The hospital's remdesivir protocol was updated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in pharmaceutical company reports and healthcare investment contexts.
Academic
Central to virology and pharmacology research papers on coronavirus treatments.
Everyday
Mentioned in news reports about pandemic treatments; not used in casual conversation.
Technical
Precise term in clinical guidelines, drug formularies, and medical charts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remdesivir”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remdesivir”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remdesivir”
- Pronouncing it as 'rem-de-SIGH-ver'.
- Using it as a verb, e.g., 'They remdesivired the patient.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a cure. It is an antiviral treatment intended to help reduce the severity and duration of illness in some hospitalized patients by inhibiting viral replication.
Remdesivir is developed and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences under the brand name Veklury.
No. It was originally developed over a decade earlier for the treatment of hepatitis C and later researched for Ebola virus disease and other RNA viruses before being repurposed for SARS-CoV-2.
Reported side effects can include increased liver enzymes (indicating liver inflammation), nausea, and allergic reactions. It is administered under medical supervision.
A synthetic antiviral drug developed to treat viral infections, most notably used in the treatment of COVID-19.
Remdesivir is usually technical/scientific, medical, journalistic in register.
Remdesivir: in British English it is pronounced /rɛmˈdɛsɪvɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɛmˈdɛsɪvɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REMember DESIVIRus: a drug you might remember from the de-si-virus (the virus) pandemic.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY that jams the viral replication LOCK.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary route of administration for remdesivir?