parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

plural parvoviruses

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 viral disease of dogs that is spread especially by contact with infected feces, that is caused by a strain of the parvovirus (Protoparvovirus carnivoran1) 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

Dog parks bring animals into close contact, increasing the risk of spreading illnesses such as kennel cough (a highly contagious respiratory infection) or parvovirus (a contagious, potentially fatal multisystem infection). —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026

The circumstances involve multiple dogs confirmed to have parvovirus, a serious medical condition for puppies in particular. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Stray pets have not been spared; countless dogs and cats were abandoned as families fled, leading to a surge in malnutrition, diseases like parvovirus, anemia and respiratory infections. —Tavleen Tarrant, NBC news, 28 Dec. 2025

The disease, caused by parvovirus B19, is common in preschoolers. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 Dec. 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

: any virus of the family Parvoviridae and especially of a subfamily (Parvovirinae)

2

: a highly contagious febrile disease of canines and especially dogs that is caused by a strain of a parvovirus (Protoparvovirus carnivoran1), 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