rhinovirus

noun

rhi·​no·​vi·​rus ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce rhinovirus (audio)
plural rhinoviruses
: any of three enteroviruses (Enterovirus alpharhino, E. betarhino, and E. cerhino) having numerous serotypes causing respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans

Examples of rhinovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studies have shown that zinc lozenges or syrup adhere to the mouth and throat, placing zinc directly in contact with rhinoviruses. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026 The common cold is typically caused by rhinoviruses. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025 But if rhinoviruses are relatively benign for most people, infection can be deadly for others. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 27 Feb. 2026 Well, this research team from Yale found that their laboratory noses could produce interferons that could then keep the rhinovirus from infecting cells and thus limit the spread of the virus. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhinovirus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhinovirus was in 1961

Rhymes for rhinovirus

See All Rhymes for rhinovirus

Browse Nearby Words

rhinotheca
rhinovirus
-rhinus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rhinovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhinovirus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

rhinovirus

noun
rhi·​no·​vi·​rus ˌrī-nō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce rhinovirus (audio)
: any of three enteroviruses (Enterovirus alpharhino, E. betarhino, and E. cerhino) having numerous serotypes that cause respiratory infections (such as the common cold) in humans

More from Merriam-Webster on rhinovirus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhinovirus

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