arbovirus
    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]