norovirus

noun

nor·o·virus | \ ˈnȯr-ə-ˌvī-rəs

Definition of norovirus

: any of a genus (Norovirus) of small, round, single-stranded RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows, pigs, and dogs) People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.— Cherie Black

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

— see norwalk virus

Examples of norovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to the HIV mutation, there are only two others that are known: One for the norovirus, and another for a malaria parasite. — Teresa M. Hanafin, BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2022 Last year, for instance, rumors of a norovirus led my own trail family to skip shelters and steer clear of queasy friends. — Outside Online, 20 Mar. 2020 Washington state officials on Tuesday said that 26 residents had reported norovirus-like symptoms after eating oysters from British Columbia since March 7. — Kate Gibson, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2022 From August 2021 through the beginning of last month, the CDC reported 448 norovirus outbreaks. — NBC News, 1 Apr. 2022 Hand-washing, cleaning surfaces and preparing food safely are recommended to prevent the norovirus. — Mckenzie Sadeghi, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2021 Practicing proper hand hygiene, preparing food safely, thoroughly cleaning surfaces, utensils and counters, and washing laundry can prevent a norovirus infection, per the CDC. — Mckenzie Sadeghi, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2021 The donut shop was closed down on May 19 after the Department of Public Health confirmed a norovirus outbreak linked to the establishment. — Jessika Harkay, courant.com, 7 July 2021 Cruise lines have long contended with outbreaks of the norovirus, for instance, one of which sickened more than 300 passengers and crew on a Princess Cruises ship in February 2020. — Kate Gibson, CBS News, 7 May 2021 See More

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

Learn More About norovirus

Dictionary Entries Near norovirus

nornicotine

norovirus

Norris

Statistics for norovirus

Last Updated

30 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Norovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/norovirus. Accessed 18 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for norovirus

norovirus

noun

nor·o·virus | \ ˌnȯr-ō-ˈvī-rəs

Medical Definition of norovirus

1 capitalized : a genus of small, round, single-stranded, highly infectious RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows and dogs)

2 : any virus of the genus Norovirus People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.— Cherie Black, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

— see norwalk virus