antiretroviral
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˌæn.tiˌrɛt.rəʊˈvaɪə.rəl//
KK: /ˌæntiˌrɛtroʊˈvaɪrəl/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that works against infections caused by retroviruses, which are a type of virus that can lead to diseases like HIV.
Example
The doctor prescribed an antiretroviral medication to help manage the patient's condition.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new antiretroviral medication they released?
Yeah, I read that it's really effective against certain infections.
It's great to see advancements in antiretroviral treatments, isn't it?
Absolutely! It gives a lot of hope to those affected.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
retroviral
antiviral
therapeutic
Antonyms
ineffective
harmful
detrimental
noun
Definition
A type of medicine that fights against viruses that can cause diseases like HIV.
Example
Doctors often prescribe antiretrovirals to help manage HIV infections.
Conversation
I heard that new antiretroviral treatments are really effective now.
Yeah, I've read about that too; they can really help manage the virus.
It's amazing how far medicine has come in treating these conditions.
Root Explanation
Antiretroviral is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "retrovirus" (from Latin "retro" meaning backward and "virus" meaning poison or slimy liquid). The term refers to substances that work against retroviruses, which are viruses that replicate in a backward manner compared to normal cellular processes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'anti-' meaning against, and 'retrovirus' referring to a virus that works in a backward way. This helps you remember that antiretroviral means something that works against backward-replicating viruses.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.