Definition

Noun 1. A type of animal virus: A flavivirus is a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses. These viruses are primarily transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, and can cause significant diseases in humans and other animals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Dengue fever is caused by a flavivirus.
  • Scientists are studying the genetic structure of the flavivirus responsible for yellow fever.
  • The Zika flavivirus has been a major public health concern.

Advanced Usage

• As a taxonomic term: Used in scientific and medical contexts to classify a specific genus () within the family .
  • The genus Flavivirus includes over 50 recognized species.

Variants and Related Words

• Flaviviridae (noun): The family name for this group of viruses.
  • Flaviviridae is a family of positive, single-stranded RNA viruses.

Synonyms

• Arbovirus (short for arthropod-borne virus): This is a broader ecological term that includes flaviviruses as well as viruses from other families transmitted by arthropods.
  • Many flaviviruses are also classified as arboviruses.

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "flavivirus" has a single, specific meaning in virology. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses. Its usage is almost exclusively technical and scientific.

Noun

1. animal viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae