Definition

A tiny infectious particle made only of RNA that can cause diseases in plants.

Example

The farmer discovered that the crop was infected by a viroid, leading to significant losses.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new plant disease affecting gardens this year?

Yeah, I read that it's caused by a viroid that affects their growth.

It's crazy how something so small can have such a big impact.

I know! It's fascinating and a bit scary at the same time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Viroid is formed from "virus" (from Latin *virus*, meaning poison or slimy liquid) and "-oid" (from Greek *eidos*, meaning form or resemblance). The term viroid refers to a pathogen that resembles a virus but is much simpler in structure, specifically a small infectious agent composed of RNA.

Memory Tip

Think of 'virus' as something that can cause illness and '-oid' meaning resembling — a viroid is something that resembles a virus but is simpler.

Visually Confused Words