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myxovirus

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /mɪkˈsoʊvaɪrəs/

KK: /mɪk'soʊvaɪrəs/

noun
Definition

A type of virus that contains RNA and can cause diseases like influenza, known for its ability to clump red blood cells together.


Example

The myxovirus is responsible for the flu outbreak this season.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the latest outbreak of that myxovirus this season?
Sloth B
Yeah, I did! It's been causing a lot of illnesses.
Sloth A
I hope it doesn't spread too much; the flu is already bad enough.
Sloth B
I know, right? We should all get vaccinated just to be safe.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
virus
pathogen
microbe
Antonyms
antibody
vaccine
immunity
Root Explanation

Myxovirus is formed from "myxo-" (from Greek "mukos", meaning mucus) and "virus" (from Latin, meaning poison or slimy liquid). The term refers to a type of virus that is associated with mucus, particularly in the context of respiratory infections.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mucus' ('myxo-') when remembering that 'myxovirus' relates to a virus associated with mucus, especially in respiratory illnesses.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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