Virology Vocabulary

noun the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells

• Vaccination is a reliable method to develop immunity against certain diseases.
• Eating healthy and staying active can help boost your immunity.
• I heard that elderberry syrup is great for building up your immunity.
• Having a strong support system can provide emotional immunity against negativity.

noun a type of virus that causes respiratory illness in humans and animals, including the common cold and more severe diseases such as SARS and COVID-19

• The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted the global economy.
• I heard the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in our city.
• Did you hear about the new strain of corona going around?
• The coronavirus outbreak is like a dark cloud hanging over us.

noun a person or thing that spreads something, especially a disease, widely

adjective describing something that has the ability to spread something widely

• The health department identified the party as a potential super-spreader event.
• I heard that gathering was a super-spreader.
• That party was a total super-spreader, dude.
• Misinformation can act as a super-spreader of fear and panic.

noun abbreviation for human endogenous retroviruses, which are remnants of ancient retroviral infections integrated into the human genome

• The study focused on the potential impact of HERVs on human health.
• Scientists are researching how HERVs may affect our bodies.
• I heard HERVs can mess with your DNA.
• HERVs are like ancient genetic fossils embedded within our genome.

noun a scientific technique that allows the observation of samples at cryogenic temperatures using electron microscopy

• Cryo-electron microscopy is a powerful technique used to study the structure of biological molecules at atomic resolution.
• I heard that cryo-electron microscopy is a cool way to see tiny things up close.
• Cryo-EM is like taking super detailed pictures of really small stuff.
• Using cryo-electron microscopy is like looking through a high-powered microscope with super freezing capabilities.

adjective describing something that does not contain cells

• Acellular organisms do not contain cells and are typically considered non-living.
• These acellular organisms are so tiny, you can't even see them under a microscope.
• I heard that acellular stuff is like, totally weird and mysterious.
• The acellular nature of their relationship made it difficult to define.