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Glite Dictionary
picornavirus

picornavirus

1 8.1
A very small virus that can cause diseases like polio or the common cold
  • noun
  • /ˌpaɪkɔːrˈnɑːvaɪrəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : picornavirus
  • The finding of SAFV in invasively collected samples from the two children described here fits well with the knowledge about the picornavirus group.

Examples

  • Prolonged low concentrations of picornavirus shedding have been demonstrated, e.g., by detectable hepatitis A virus RNA up to 3 months after acute infection (75).

    Academic text (2012)

  • For the picornavirus group, this issue is further complicated by knowledge that this virus family can cause a wide variety of diseases with a high proportion of nonspecific symptoms or asymptomatic infections (5).

    Academic text (2012)

  • Scientists have identified a new type of picornavirus that may contribute to respiratory infections.

  • Researchers are studying the effects of picornavirus on the immune system to understand how it spreads.

  • The picornavirus family includes viruses responsible for illnesses like the common cold and polio.

Surface Forms

picornavirus singular
picornaviruses plural

Morphology

picornavirus = RNA + virus (semi-transparent) = pico + rna + virus

The components 'pico', 'RNA', and 'virus' are clear, but the specific meaning of a small RNA virus is specialized and not immediately obvious.

Etymology

Picornavirus is a name made from pico- meaning 'small', the letters RNA for the virus's genetic material, and virus. So it literally means a 'small RNA virus', which is why the word is used for tiny viruses like those that cause polio and some common colds.