reverse zoonosis

noun

plural reverse zoonoses
: an infection or disease that is transmissible from humans to animals under natural conditions
But what about the opposite scenario: so-called "reverse zoonoses" which are diseases that humans can pass on to pets?Pete Wedderburn
also : the process of transmitting infection or disease from humans to animals
This finding suggests reverse zoonosis of influenza viruses from humans to dromedaries. Daniel K. W. Chu et al.

called also anthroponosis, zooanthroponosis

compare zoonosis
reverse zoonotic adjective
reverse zoonotic disease transmission

Examples of reverse zoonosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has mentioned the possibility of reverse zoonosis — the virus moving from people into animal in Europe and gaining a foothold there. Helen Branswell, STAT, 4 June 2022 Another theory is known as reverse zoonosis, Venter added. Michael Nedelman, CNN, 1 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reverse zoonosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reverse zoonosis was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near reverse zoonosis

Cite this Entry

“Reverse zoonosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20zoonosis. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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