cytomegalovirus

[ sahy-toh-meg-uh-loh-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural cy·to·meg·a·lo·vi·rus·es.

1. a common virus of the herpesvirus family, usually harmless or causing mild colds but capable of producing severe systemic damage in infected newborns and immunosuppressed persons. : CMV

cytomegalovirus

/ ˌsaɪtəʊˈmɛɡələʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. a virus of the herpes virus family that may cause serious disease in patients whose immune systems are compromised CMV

cytomegalovirus

/ sī′tə-mĕg′ə-lō-vī′rəs /

1. Any of a group of herpes viruses of the genus Cytomegalovirus that cause enlargement and abnormal structures in the cell nucleus (known as nuclear inclusions ) in infected cells. Although the virus usually causes minor or no symptoms in normal adults, it is a common cause of opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed patients and can cause life-threatening congenital infections.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cytomegalovirus¹

1960–65; cytomegal(ia) ( cytomegalic ) + -o- + virus