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Glite Dictionary
myxoma virus

myxoma virus

9.2
A virus that causes soft, jelly-like tumors in rabbits and sometimes humans
  • noun
  • /mɪkˈsoʊmə ˈvaɪrəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : virus del mixoma
  • The myxoma virus was used in Australia to control wild rabbit populations.

Examples

  • The presence of myxoma virus in laboratory rabbits led to visible tumor growths.

  • Scientists studied how the myxoma virus evolved to become less lethal over time.

  • The myxoma virus is known for causing tumors in rabbits.

  • Many researchers study the myxoma virus for its effects on wildlife.

  • Scientists conducted experiments to understand the impact of the myxoma virus on rabbit health.

  • The outbreak of myxoma virus resulted in a significant decline in the rabbit population in the region.

  • Veterinarians are concerned about the effects of myxoma virus on domestic rabbits and their welfare.

Surface Forms

myxoma virus singular
myxoma viruses plural

Morphology

myxoma + virus

The phrase is a straightforward noun compound combining 'myxoma' (a gelatinous tumor) with 'virus' (an infective agent), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a virus related to or causing myxoma. The 'X virus' pattern is a common, compositional medical naming convention across languages, making the meaning transparently derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Myxoma virus gets its name from myxoma, a word from Greek that means 'mucus', because the tumours it makes look soft and jelly-like. So, myxoma virus simply means the virus that causes those gooey lumps, especially in rabbits.