parvovirus

par·vo·vi·rus

noun \ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs\

Definition of PARVOVIRUS

1

: any of a family (Parvoviridae) of single-stranded DNA viruses that include the causative agents of fifth disease in humans, panleukopenia in cats, and parvovirus in dogs

2

: a highly contagious febrile virus disease of dogs that is spread especially by contact with infected feces, that is caused by a strain (Canine parvovirus) of the parvovirus causing panleukopenia in cats, and that is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

Origin of PARVOVIRUS

New Latin, from Latin parvus small (akin to Greek pauros small, paid-, pais child) + New Latin -o- + virus — more at few

First Known Use: 1965

Rhymes with PARVOVIRUS

arbovirus, bearded iris, echovirus, hantavirus, herpesvirus, lentivirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, West Nile virus