Definition
orthomyxovirus
noun
- Any of a family of RNA viruses that includes the influenza viruses and causes respiratory infections in humans and animals.
Usage: technical; medical
Examples
- Influenza viruses are the most well-known members of the orthomyxovirus family.
- The orthomyxovirus genome consists of segmented negative-sense RNA.
- Scientists study orthomyxovirus mutations to predict seasonal flu strains.
- Orthomyxoviruses are enveloped viruses that replicate in the nucleus of host cells.
- The orthomyxovirus family includes both influenza A and influenza B viruses.