human papillomavirus

noun

: any of numerous papillomaviruses (as of the genera Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, and Gammapapillomavirus) that cause various human papillomas (such as genital warts and plantar warts) and include some associated with the production of human cancer

—abbreviation HPV

Examples of human papillomavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved self-testing options for the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, making cervical cancer screenings more accessible. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024

For the first time, women in the United States have the ability to self-collect a sample to screen for human papillomavirus (HPV). —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

human papillomavirus

noun

: a double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Papillomavirus (species Human papillomavirus) that has numerous genotypes causing various human warts (as the common warts of the extremities, plantar warts, and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer

called also HPV