Definition of "reassortment" [reassortment]

• Alternative spelling of re-assortment. (noun)
• The mixing of genetic material of two competing viruses infecting the same cell. (noun)

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• "WHO spokesman Dick Thompson, said the agency was concerned of a possible "reassortment" - or mixing of regular and swine flu viruses."
• "The live viruses would then have a chance to multiply and exchange genetic material within the infected pig in a process known as reassortment, and a new virus could emerge and spread to humans as a "swine flu.""
• "This process, known as reassortment, gives rise to new viruses that resemble both the human and avian strains."