viroid

noun
vi·​roid | \ ˈvī-ˌrȯid How to pronounce viroid (audio) \

Definition of viroid

: any of two families (Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae) of subviral particles that consist of a small single-stranded RNA arranged in a closed loop without a protein shell and that replicate in their host plants where they may or may not be pathogenic

First Known Use of viroid

1971, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for viroid

New Latin virus + English -oid

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More Definitions for viroid

viroid

noun
vi·​roid | \ ˈvī-ˌrȯid How to pronounce viroid (audio) \

Medical Definition of viroid

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a hypothetical symbiont resembling a virus that was formerly held to be present in cells, to be favorable to the host, and to tend to mutate to a virus
2 : any of two families (Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae) of subviral particles that consist of a small single-stranded RNA arranged in a closed loop without a protein shell and that replicate in their host plants where they may or may not be pathogenic

viroid

adjective

Medical Definition of viroid (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : caused by a virus viroid pneumonia
2 : of or relating to viroids