Rhabdoviruses
/ˈræb.dəˌvaɪ.rəsɪz/noun
A family of viruses known for their rod-shaped structure, which includes the rabies virus.
Did you know?The rabies virus, a member of the rhabdovirus family, has historically been associated with folklore about werewolves and other creatures of the night, reflecting humanity's age-old fear of contagion and madness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ῥάβδος (rhabdos)
“Rod or staff, symbolizing authority or power.”
19th Century
Latin
virus
“Poison or toxin, a term used to describe infectious agents.”
20th Century
English
rhabdovirus
“A newly coined term for a group of rod-shaped viruses identified in the mid-20th century.”
1950s
English
rhabdovirus
“Classified as a family of viruses due to their distinct morphology and pathogenicity.”
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