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Glite Dictionary
rhabdovirus

rhabdovirus

1 9.9
A virus with a rod or bullet shape that can cause rabies
  • noun
  • /ˈræbdəˌvaɪrəs/
  • Specialized
: rabdovirus
  • The rhabdovirus is known for causing rabies.

Examples

  • Many rhabdoviruses can infect various animals.

  • Scientists are studying the structure of the rhabdovirus to develop better vaccines.

  • Many rhabdoviruses are transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes.

  • Rabies is caused by a rhabdovirus that attacks the central nervous system.

  • The scientist studied the rhabdovirus under a microscope to understand its structure.

  • Researchers developed a vaccine to protect against the rhabdovirus that causes rabies.

  • During the outbreak, health officials tested animals for the presence of the rhabdovirus.

Surface Forms

rhabdovirus singular
rhabdoviruses plural

Morphology

rhabdovirus = virus (opaque) = rhabdo + virus

The combining form 'rhabdo-' (meaning 'rod') is a technical Greek form unfamiliar to average learners, so knowing 'virus' alone won't let them infer 'rod-shaped virus'.

Etymology

Rhabdovirus comes from Greek rhabdo- meaning 'rod' and the common virus meaning 'germ', so it names viruses that look like little rods or bullets.