Definition

A type of very small virus that can infect animals and is made of RNA surrounded by a protein shell. This group includes viruses that cause diseases like polio and foot-and-mouth disease.

Example

The picornavirus is responsible for several common illnesses, including the common cold.

Conversation

Have you heard about the picornavirus outbreak lately?

Yeah, I read something about it; it sounds pretty concerning.

I hope they find a way to control the spread of the picornavirus soon.

Me too, especially since it affects so many different animals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Picornavirus → It is formed from "pico-" (from Spanish *pico*, meaning small) and "rna" (referring to ribonucleic acid). The word describes a small virus that contains RNA as its genetic material.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pico' meaning small, which helps you remember that a picornavirus is a small virus containing RNA.

Visually Confused Words