reovirus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “reovirus” mean?
A type of RNA virus that infects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of RNA virus that infects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of animals.
Any member of the family Reoviridae, characterized by a double-stranded RNA genome and a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Purely clinical/technical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “reovirus” in a Sentence
[Patient] was infected with [a reovirus].The [reovirus] infects [the intestine].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reovirus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- reoviral proteins
American English
- reoviral infection
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in virology and medical research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in virology and clinical diagnostics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reovirus”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reovirus”
- Mispronouncing as 'ree-oh-virus' (correct) versus 'ray-oh-virus' (incorrect).
- Spelling as 'riovirus'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most reovirus infections in humans are mild or asymptomatic, affecting the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems.
Yes, some reoviruses are being studied for their oncolytic (cancer-fighting) properties.
It is typically transmitted via the faecal-oral route or through respiratory droplets.
Reoviruses infect a wide range of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
A type of RNA virus that infects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of animals.
Reovirus is usually technical/scientific in register.
Reovirus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːəʊˌvaɪrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriːoʊˌvaɪrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REO-VIRUS: Remember 'Respiratory Enteric Orphan' – a virus found in breathing and gut systems, originally an 'orphan' without a known disease.
Conceptual Metaphor
A microscopic agent / invader.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'reo' in reovirus stand for?