rotavirus

noun

ro·​ta·​vi·​rus ˈrō-tə-ˌvī-rəs 

plural rotaviruses

: any of a genus (Rotavirus) of reoviruses that have a three-layered protein capsid with no outer lipid envelope when mature and that include one (Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children

Examples of rotavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two rotavirus vaccines – Rotateq (a three-dose series) and Rotarix (a two-dose series). —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

While there is no treatment for rotavirus after infection, the disease can be prevented. —Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026

Preventing rotavirus infection Proper hand-washing can help reduce rotavirus transmission, but because rotavirus is highly contagious, preventing the disease through vaccination is the most effective form of protection. —Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026

Data shows that cases of rotavirus and drug-resistant shigella are increasing in the United States. —Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin rota wheel + New Latin virus

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rotavirus

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

Medical Definition

rotavirus

noun

ro·​ta·​vi·​rus ˈrōt-ə-ˌvī-rəs 

1

Rotavirus : a genus of reoviruses that are causative agents of gastroenteritis and that include one (Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children

Note: Viruses of the genus Rotavirus have a virion with a three-layered protein capsid lacking an outer lipid envelope when mature and a core of 11 discrete segments of double-stranded RNA.

2

: any virus of the genus Rotavirus

rotaviral

-rəl 

adjective