rotavirus

noun

ro·​ta·​vi·​rus ˈrō-tə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of a genus (Rotavirus) of reoviruses that have a three-layered protein capsid with no outer lipid envelope when mature and that include one (species Rotavirus A) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children

Examples of rotavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rotavirus also used to follow a biennial pattern where cases would peak every other year, typically on even number years like 2024. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024

The rotavirus vaccine protects against an illness that can cause severe diarrhea.4 This illness can be severe and result in hospitalization and even death from dehydration. —Parents Editors, Parents, 14 Nov. 2023

Meanwhile, a lack of a reliable drinkable water infrastructure and overall unsanitary conditions resulted in the spread of parasitic and other infectious diseases, like rotavirus, cholera and salmonella – which remain leading causes of death in Gaza’s children. —Yara M. Asi, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2023

The team found positive test results declined during lockdown for pathogens such as adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Giardia lamblia. —Julia Ries, Health, 30 Aug. 2023

Jismary also tested positive for norovirus and rotavirus in the intestine and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in the lungs. —Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023

Other viruses that cause the stomach flu include adenovirus, astrovirus, and rotavirus, which are more common in children than adults.18 Some bacteria, chemicals, and parasites may also cause symptoms.4 The viruses may spread through contact with infected stool or vomit. —Maxine Lipner, Health, 28 Aug. 2023

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology looked at GI illnesses caused by pathogens like rotavirus, norovirus, and Escherichia coli in a northern California community during and after lockdowns. —Julia Ries, Health, 30 Aug. 2023

Coverage rates for rotavirus vaccination have risen globally since 2010, according to World Health Organization data. —Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin rota wheel + New Latin virus

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

rotavirus

noun

ro·​ta·​vi·​rus ˈrōt-ə-ˌvī-rəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of reoviruses that are causative agents of gastroenteritis and that include one (species Rotavirus A) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children

Note: Viruses of the genus Rotavirus have a virion with a three-layered protein capsid lacking an outer lipid envelope when mature and a core of 11 discrete segments of double-stranded RNA.

2

: any virus of the genus Rotavirus

rotaviral

-rəl 

adjective