alphavirus alphavirus /ˈælfəˌveɪɹəs/

noun

1. An arbovirus of the family Togaviridae that can cause a variety of encephalitis in horses  ( alphavirus )
   an arbovirus of the family Togaviridae that can cause a variety of encephalitis in horses
    The ranch had to vaccinate the horses due to a local outbreak of an encephalitis caused by alphavirus.
   The ranch had to vaccinate the horses due to a local outbreak of an encephalitis caused by alphavirus.
   
   

 compunction compunction /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/

noun

1. () A feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)  ( self-reproach , compunction , remorse )
   a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
   
   

 sops sops /ˈsɑːps/

noun

1. Piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid  ( sop , sops )
   piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid
   
   

 interest interest /ˈɪntəˌrɛst/

noun

1. () A sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something  ( involvement , interest )
   a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
    An interest in music
   an interest in music
   
2. () A reason for wanting something done  ( sake , interest )
   a reason for wanting something done
    For your sake
   for your sake
    Died for the sake of his country
   died for the sake of his country
    In the interest of safety
   in the interest of safety
    In the common interest
   in the common interest
   
3. () The power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)  ( interestingness , interest )
   the power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)
    They said nothing of great interest
   they said nothing of great interest
    Primary colors can add interest to a room
   primary colors can add interest to a room
   
4. () A fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed  ( interest )
   a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
    How much interest do you pay on your mortgage?
   how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?
   
   
5. () (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something  ( stake , interest )
   (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
    They have interests all over the world
   they have interests all over the world
    A stake in the company's future
   a stake in the company's future
   
6. () (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims  ( interest group , interest )
   (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
    The iron interests stepped up production
   the iron interests stepped up production
   
7. () A diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)  ( pursuit , pastime , interest )
   a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
    Sailing is her favorite pastime
   sailing is her favorite pastime
    His main pastime is gambling
   his main pastime is gambling
    He counts reading among his interests
   he counts reading among his interests
    They criticized the boy for his limited pursuits
   they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits
   

verb

1. () Excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of  ( interest )
   excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
     The captivating book captured her interest from the very first page.
   The captivating book captured her interest from the very first page.
   
2. () Be on the mind of  ( worry , interest , occupy , concern )
   be on the mind of
    I worry about the second Germanic consonant shift
   I worry about the second Germanic consonant shift
   
3. () Be of importance or consequence  ( interest , matter to )
   be of importance or consequence
    This matters to me!
   This matters to me!