CultureAugust 24, 2026

orthopoxvirus

OR-tho-poks-vahy-ruhs

Definition

A genus of viruses that includes smallpox and related pathogens, often discussed in the article as a potential candidate for the virus that caused the Antonine Plague.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'orthos' meaning 'straight' or 'correct' and the English word 'pox,' referring to the specific viral family that causes pustular skin eruptions.

In the news

The word is used to describe one of the scientific theories regarding the pathogen responsible for the Antonine Plague, as researchers investigate the nature of the historic outbreak.

How the first pandemic in history shook the Roman Empire

Read the full article ↗

ZME Science

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