reovirus [ree-oh-vahy-ruhs, ree-oh-vahy-]

reovirus

[ree-oh-vahy-ruhs, ree-oh-vahy-]

Any of a small group of animal and plant viruses that appear spheroidal and contain a core of RNA. Among the best-known genera are Orthoreovirus, Orbivirus, Rotavirus, and Phytoreovirus. The first three infect animals; the last can destroy rice, corn, and other crops.

Learn more about reovirus with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Search another word or see reoviruson Dictionary | Thesaurus |Spanish
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature