respiratory syncytial virus

noun

plural respiratory syncytial viruses
1
: a pneumovirus (species Human orthopneumovirus of the genus Orthopneumovirus) that usually causes mild infections of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, that is spread through contact with respiratory droplets, and that is characterized especially by fever, cough, congestion, and runny nose but may progress to bronchiolitis and pneumonia especially in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals
Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus often spread and peak during winter, when people travel for the holidays and spend more time indoors and breathing the same air.—Jessica Rendall
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people. … Infections typically go away on their own in a week or two.—Ema Sasic

Note: Respiratory syncytial virus was initially identified in 1956 and was formerly classified as a paramyxovirus.

called also RSV

2
: the illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus
Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus are comparable to those of a common cold and COVID-19. Symptoms include runny nose, fever, coughing, sneezing, decreased appetite and wheezing.—Tyler Brown
An unseasonably early spike in respiratory syncytial virus cases among young children is pushing some hospitals to capacity.—Vanessa Romo

called also RSV

Examples of respiratory syncytial virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Health officials announced a new policy focusing on actions people can take to reduce spreading a variety of common respiratory viruses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024 Brianna Lucca-Cerezo, who was eight months pregnant at the time, found herself in the hospital one day before her wedding after becoming ill with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to a release from AdventHealth. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for respiratory syncytial virus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respiratory syncytial virus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of respiratory syncytial virus was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near respiratory syncytial virus

respiratory quotient

respiratory syncytial virus

respiratory system

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Cite this Entry

“Respiratory syncytial virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respiratory%20syncytial%20virus. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Medical Definition

respiratory syncytial virus

noun
1
: a pneumovirus (species Human orthopneumovirus of the genus Orthopneumovirus) that usually causes mild infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, that is spread through contact with respiratory droplets, and that is characterized especially by fever, coughing, congestion, and runny nose but may progress to bronchiolitis and pneumonia especially in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals
Respiratory syncytial virus is the most important respiratory pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children.—David W. Smith et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

Note: Respiratory syncytial virus was initially identified in 1956 and was formerly classified as a paramyxovirus. Cells infected with the virus typically fuse with adjacent cells to form multinucleate syncytia.

called also RSV

2
: the illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus
… an expanding array of synthetic drugs is being clinically tested against many viral infections. … A handful already have been approved for medical use against herpes, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus …, a common respiratory infection that usually is mild but can be life threatening to infants in poor health.—Roland K. Robins, Chemical & Engineering News

called also RSV

More from Merriam-Webster on respiratory syncytial virus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about respiratory syncytial virus

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