virion

[vahy-ree-on, vir-ee-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the infectious form of a virus as it exists outside the host cell, consisting of a nucleic acid core, a protein coat, and, in some species, an external envelope.

virion

/ ˈ��ɪ��ɪə�� /

noun

a virus in infective form, consisting of an RNA particle within a protein covering

virion

A complete viral particle, consisting of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein shell and constituting the infective form of a virus. The shell, called a capsid, protects the interior core that includes the genome and other proteins. After the virion binds to the surface of a specific host cell, its DNA or RNA is injected into the host cell and viral replication occurs with eventual spread of the infection to other host cells.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of virion¹

< French virion (1959), equivalent to viri ( en ) viral ( virus, -ian ) + -on -on ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of virion¹

C20: from _vir ( _us ) + _ion

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The virion is just the dispersal mechanism, he argued.

From

Oh wait — I forgot that we’ve managed to politicize even that tiny virion with glycoprotein spikes.

From

Fitting 300 nm RNA into the virion was a breeze!

From

Such studies might identify relationships between antibody binding sites on the virion and antibody function.

From

Loss of the precursor fragment of prM lets the E protein fluctuate from its tight packing at the surface of the virion, transiently exposing otherwise buried surfaces.

From

virino virl

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