antiviral agent
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A substance, typically a drug, that inhibits the growth of or destroys viruses. It is used to treat viral infections by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate inside a host cell.
Usage
An "antiviral agent" is used as a countable noun. It refers to a specific medicinal compound. - It is prescribed by doctors to combat viral diseases. - It is often contrasted with antibiotics, which target bacterial infections.
Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed an antiviral agent to treat my influenza.
- Research is ongoing to develop a new antiviral agent against the emerging virus.
- Acyclovir is a common antiviral agent used for herpes infections.
Advanced Usage
- "Broad-spectrum antiviral agent": An antiviral drug effective against a wide range of viruses.
- Scientists are searching for a broad-spectrum antiviral agent.
- The term is frequently used in medical, pharmacological, and public health contexts.
Variants and Related Words
- Antiviral (noun/adjective): Often used interchangeably with "antiviral agent" as a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that acts against viruses (e.g., , ).
- Virucide (noun): An agent that inactivates or destroys viruses, often used on surfaces, not typically inside the body.
Synonyms
- Antiviral drug
- Antiviral
- Antiviral compound
Related Phrases
- Antiviral therapy: A treatment regimen using antiviral agents.
- The patient responded well to the new antiviral therapy.
Noun
- any drug that destroys viruses