rhinovirus

Everyday

1. (science, medicine) A kind of very small germ (a virus) that is the most common cause of the common cold. tree →
2. Any of the many types of these cold viruses. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, rhinoviruses spread through coughs, sneezes and touching hands, then infect the nose — "rhino" is Greek for nose. Washing hands and catching sneezes in a tissue help stop them. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Phrases: rhinovirus infection, catch a rhinovirus.

Examples

• Most colds are caused by a rhinovirus. tree →
• "Rhino" means nose, so a rhinovirus is a nose virus. tree →
• Rhinoviruses spread when people sneeze. tree →
• Washing your hands helps stop rhinoviruses spreading. tree →
• Antibiotics can't kill a rhinovirus. tree →
• There are over 100 types of rhinovirus, which is why we catch so many colds. tree →

Note

Nothing to do with rhinoceroses — both words use Greek "rhino" (nose). Plural: rhinoviruses. Myth: going out with wet hair or getting cold does not by itself give you a cold; a virus does.