myxomatosis

noun myx·o·ma·to·sis \ mik-ˌsō-mə-ˈtō-səs \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of myxomatosis

: a condition characterized by the presence of myxomas in the body; specifically : a severe virus disease of rabbits that is caused by a poxvirus (species Myxoma virus of the genus Leporipoxvirus) and transmitted by mosquitoes, biting flies, and direct contact and that has been used in the biological control of rabbits especially in Australia

Recent Examples of myxomatosis from the Web

These rabbits never develop the skin tumors or any of the classic symptoms of myxomatosis.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "The Next Chapter in a Viral Arms Race," 14 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'myxomatosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of myxomatosis

myxomat-, Greco-Latin stem of myxoma + -osis, as translation of German Myxomkrankheit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1927

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

myxomatosis

noun myx·o·ma·to·sis \ mik-ˌsō-mə-ˈtō-səs \

medical Definition of myxomatosis

plural myxomatoses play \-ˌsēz\

: a condition characterized by the presence of myxomas in the body; specifically : a severe virus disease of rabbits that is caused by a poxvirus (species Myxoma virus of the genus Leporipoxvirus), is transmitted by mosquitoes, biting flies, and direct contact, and has been used in the biological control of wild rabbit populations