norovirus

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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 ◆In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. — see norwalk virus

Recent Examples of norovirus from the Web

When there’s a norovirus outbreak – a stomach bug –

— kathleen purvis, charlotteobserver, "The guy who handed you a sandwich also handed you money. Ick? Or OK?", 30 May 2017
A preschool and adult living skills program in Davis will be closed Friday as Yolo County continues to battle the rapid spread of norovirus, an illness that triggers vomiting and diarrhea, officials said Thursday.

— loretta kalb, sacbee, "School programs in Davis will close Friday as norovirus spreads in Yolo", 25 May 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of norovirus

New Latin, from English Norwalk virus + New Latin -o- + virus

First Known Use: 2002

Medical Dictionary

norovirus

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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, 29 Dec. 2006 ◆In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. —see norwalk virus