from
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
arborvirus
n 1: a large heterogeneous group of RNA viruses divisible into
groups on the basis of the virions; they have been
recovered from arthropods, bats, and rodents; most are
borne by arthropods; they are linked by the epidemiologic
concept of transmission between vertebrate hosts by
arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, midges,
etc.) that feed on blood; they can cause mild fevers,
hepatitis, hemorrhagic fever, and encephalitis [syn:
{arbovirus}, {arborvirus}]