shift and drift

noun

The changes in the influenza virus over time, consisting of gradual antigenic mutations and occasionally more drastic changes when two or more strains combine.

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Meanings

nounshift and drift (uncountable)
  1. uncountableThe changes in the influenza virus over time, consisting of gradual antigenic mutations and occasionally more drastic changes when two or more strains combine.
Cite this entry
APA

shift and drift. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shift%20and%20drift

MLA

“shift and drift.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shift%20and%20drift. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “shift and drift,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shift%20and%20drift.

Source: shift and drift on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.