antiviral

[ an-tahy-vahy-ruhl, an-tee- ]

adjective

1. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology.
   1. (of a drug or therapy) developed to effectively treat an infection caused by a virus.
   2. of or relating to a substance used to prevent or treat a viral infection:

      Raw garlic has been found to have antiviral properties.

2. Computers. (of software) programmed to detect, neutralize, and remove computer viruses.

noun

1. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology. an antiviral drug, other substance, or therapy.

antiviral

/ ˌæntɪˈvaɪrəl /

adjective

1. inhibiting the growth of viruses

noun

1. any antiviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes infections and AIDS

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiviral¹

First recorded in 1925–30; anti- ( def ) + viral ( def )

Example Sentences

The agency said the person is fully recovered and was treated with oseltamivir, an antiviral medication.

From Los Angeles Times

In the meantime, vaccines and antiviral medications need to be on hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Rwanda has received 5,100 vials of remdesivir, an antiviral drug from Gilead Science used to combat Ebola in the past, to help fight the virus.

From BBC

The person is being treated at home with antiviral medication.

From Los Angeles Times

The patient had underlying medical conditions, and received flu antiviral medications.

From BBC