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Definition of oseltamivir

oseltamivir

/oʊˌsɛlˈtæm.ɪ.vɪr/
o · sel · tam · i · vir
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oseltamivir Lexical Profile

oseltamivir Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An oral antiviral medication belonging to the class of neuraminidase inhibitors, used primarily to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B virus infections.

Example

"The doctor prescribed oseltamivir to help reduce the severity and duration of the patient's flu symptoms."

Word Nuance & Usage

While often referred to colloquially by its brand name (Tamiflu), oseltamivir is strictly an antiviral medication; it is frequently confused with antibiotics but is completely ineffective against bacterial infections or the common cold.

• Nearby Words

oscillate
oscillation
oscilloscope
oseltamivir
oslo
osmanthus
osmerid

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined as an International Nonproprietary Name (INN). The suffix '-amivir' is a standard pharmacological stem used to designate neuraminidase inhibitor antivirals.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oseltamivir. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oseltamivir
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