# viroid

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A short section of RNA but without the protein coat typical of viruses, that are plant pathogens
2. Any of certain defective viruses, such as hepatitis D, a human pathogen.

## Etymology
From virus + -oid.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/viroid