Virion
/ˈvɪr.i.ən/noun
A complete virus particle, consisting of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat and sometimes a lipid envelope.
Did you know?The word was coined in the 1950s to distinguish a complete infectious virus particle from viral genetic material or other components studied in isolation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weis- / *wísos
“A proposed ancient root associated with poison or a poisonous substance; the reconstruction is debated.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
virus
“Poison, venom, or a slimy poisonous fluid.”
16th Century
English
virus
“A poisonous substance or harmful biological agent, borrowed from Latin.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
virus
“A disease-producing infectious agent, especially one smaller than a bacterium.”
1950s
English
virion
“A newly coined technical term for a complete, individual virus particle.”
Modern English
English
virion
“The fully formed infectious unit of a virus outside or before entering a host cell.”