noun
- a family of large DNA viruses that cause diseases characterized by skin lesions or pox in humans and animals
Usage: medical; scientific
Examples
- Smallpox and chickenpox are caused by different poxviruses.
- Scientists study poxviruses to understand viral replication mechanisms.
- The laboratory specializes in research on poxviruses and their effects.
- Poxviruses are among the largest known viruses.
- Vaccination has helped control diseases caused by poxviruses.
- The poxviruses include both human and animal pathogens.