Epstein-Barr virus

[ ep-stahyn bahr vahy-ruhs ]

noun

1. a type of herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis. : EBV

Epstein-Barr virus

/ ˈɛpstaɪn ˈbɑː /

noun

1. a virus belonging to the herpes family that causes infectious mononucleosis; it is also implicated in the development of Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease EBV

Epstein-Barr virus

/ ĕp′stīn-bär′ /

1. A virus of the family Herpesviridae and the genus Lymphocryptovirus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with several types of human cancers. It is named after two of its discoverers, British pathologist Michael Anthony Epstein (born 1921) and British virologist Yvonne M. Barr (born 1932).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Epstein-Barr virus¹

Named after British pathologist Sir Michael Anthony Epstein (1921–2024) and Irish virologist Yvonne Margaret Barr (1932–2016), who co-discovered the virus in 1964

Word History and Origins

Origin of Epstein-Barr virus¹

C20: named after Sir M. A. Epstein (born 1921), and Yvonne M. Barr (born 1932), British pathologists who discovered the virus

Example Sentences

Among the track team, Carlin broke his ankle in April, the same month in which Evans was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus that left her struggling to climb stairs.

From BBC

The Epstein-Barr virus can cause a spectrum of diseases, including a range of cancers.

From Science Daily

It’s been associated with infections such as the herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus, as well as Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders.

From Seattle Times

Post-mortem tests showed she had contracted the Epstein-Barr virus - which causes glandular fever - the coroner was told.

From BBC

The pathogen that came to bear his and Dr. Barr’s names — Epstein-Barr virus — belongs to the herpes family and is one of the most ubiquitous on the planet.

From New York Times