cepa de virus
/θepa de biɾus/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'virus strain' is translated into Spanish as cepa de virus.
In biological or medical contexts, cepa is the standard term used to refer to a specific genetic variant or strain.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cepa (strain), de (of) and virus (virus).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'virus strains', you should change cepa to cepas, resulting in cepas de virus.
How do you pronounce it?
/θepa de biɾus/
Did you know?
- Outside of medicine, cepa refers to the thick, woody base of a grapevine. This agricultural term was adapted by scientists to describe the 'root' or origin of a specific genetic lineage.
- The word cepa traces its roots back to the Old Spanish word cepo, which refers to a 'stock' or 'pillory' used for restraining people.
- Using the word cepa instead of variante typically signals to a listener that the speaker is adopting a formal or professional medical tone.
Examples in context
- La cepa de virus identificada en el brote reciente es altamente contagiosa.The virus strain identified in the recent outbreak is highly contagious.
- Es necesario realizar estudios adicionales para comprender mejor la genética de esta variedad viral.Further studies are needed to better understand the genetics of this virus strain.
- Hay varias clases de virus circulando actualmente en la población.There are several virus strains currently circulating in the population.
- La variedad de virus presente este año es especialmente agresiva.The virus strain present this year is particularly aggressive.
- La nueva cepa de virus es muy contagiosa.The new virus strain is very contagious.
- Esta nueva cepa de virus es muy contagiosa.This new virus strain is very contagious.
- Los científicos estudian cada cepa de virus.Scientists study every virus strain.
- No sabemos qué cepa de virus circula ahora.We don't know which virus strain is circulating now.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a health report.
- ElenaMateo, ¿leíste sobre la nueva cepa de virus?Mateo, did you read about the new virus strain?
- MateoNo, Elena. ¿Es peligrosa?No, Elena. Is it dangerous?
- ElenaParece que es más resistente que la anterior.It seems it is more resistant than the previous one.
- MateoEspero que encuentren una cura pronto.I hope they find a cure soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cepa, de, virus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
