poxvirus

[ poks-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural pox·vi·rus·es.

1. any of a group of large, brick-shaped DNA-containing viruses that infect humans and other animals, including the viruses of smallpox and various other poxes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of poxvirus¹

First recorded in 1940–45; pox + virus

Example Sentences

These had been developed and stockpiled in the US and Europe, mostly in preparation for a potential bioweapon attack using a poxvirus.

From Salon

Separate from WHO’s decision, ICTV’s poxvirus group had a vote on whether to change the scientific name for the virus that causes mpox.

From Science Magazine

The findings, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, could facilitate future research on therapeutics targeting the poxvirus core.

From Science Daily

MPXV, a member of the poxvirus family, is spread by intimate personal contact.

From Science Magazine

Justice, in my mind, would be for your boss to have to go confess to the new gym owner that he passed along a potentially toxic candidate like a used tumbling mat covered with poxvirus.

From Washington Post