parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

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

Examples of parvovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Humane Society of Harford County has temporarily paused all dog adoptions and intakes after four dogs tested positive for canine parvovirus. —Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025

Puppies had infections and diseases such as giardia, hookworm and parvovirus, Glass said. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that is particularly prevalent in unvaccinated puppies and dogs that are immunocompromised, according to HSHC. —Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025

The dogs were showing signs of parvovirus, but after testing, only one dog tested positive for the potentially fatally contagious disease, officers said. —Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for parvovirus

• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rhinovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• cytomegalovirus

Medical Definition

parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

a

capitalized : a genus of single-stranded DNA viruses of the family Parvoviridae that includes the causative agents of panleukopenia in cats and fifth disease in humans

b

: any virus of the family Parvoviridae and especially of the genus Parvovirus

2

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

called also canine parvovirus, parvo