RNA virus

noun

1. any virus containing RNA; retrovirus.

RNA virus

1. A virus whose genome is composed of RNA. Retroviruses are RNA viruses.
2. Compare DNA virus

Word History and Origins

Origin of RNA virus¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

An international team led by researchers at the University of Toronto has found a new RNA virus that they believe is hitching a ride with a common human parasite.

From Science Daily

First, she found that an RNA virus that caused encephalitis in mice lingered in their neurons.

From Science Magazine

"Finally discovering that there was one, and that it was a DNA virus rather than an RNA virus settled the score and also opened up a broad field of research to our team, as DNA viruses are understudied in fungi."

From Salon

Armed with a catalog of hundreds of thousands of DNA and RNA virus species in the world's oceans, scientists are now zeroing in on the viruses most likely to combat climate change by helping trap carbon dioxide in seawater or, using similar techniques, different viruses that may prevent methane's escape from thawing Arctic soil.

From Science Daily

The University of Edinburgh-led research team traced the lineage, or family tree, of 743 distinct RNA virus species to track how they evolved, including all species currently known to infect humans.

From Science Daily