subviral

[ suhb-vahy-ruhl ]

adjective

, Microbiology.

1. of or relating to any macromolecule smaller in size or possessing a lesser degree of organization than a comparable intact viral particle.
2. of or relating to a component or precursor particle of an intact infective virus.

subviral

/ sʌbˈvaɪrəl /

adjective

1. of, caused by, or denoting a part of the structure of a virus

Word History and Origins

Origin of subviral¹

First recorded in 1960–65; sub- + viral

Example Sentences

Another potential threat is a subviral particle that combines with the hepatitis-B virus to cause more severe infections and liver cancer.

From Time Magazine Archive