swine influenza

noun

Definition of swine influenza

: influenza A of swine that is caused by any of several subtypes (such as H1N1 or H3N2) of the causative orthomyxovirus and in which sporadic transmission to humans has occurred — compare swine flu

Recent Examples of swine influenza from the Web

The swine influenza of 2009 turned out not to be the grave danger that health authorities feared.

— maryn mckenna, Smithsonian, "How to Stop a Lethal Virus," 25 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'swine influenza.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of swine influenza

1919

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

swine influenza

noun

medical Definition of swine influenza

: influenza of swine that is marked by fever, lethargy, labored breathing, coughing, and anorexia and that is typically not fatal but may be complicated by development of bronchopneumonia or secondary bacterial infection

Note: Swine influenza is caused by any of several subtypes (such as H1N1 or H3N2) of an orthomyxovirus (species Influenza A virus of the genus Influenzavirus A). Strains of the virus subtypes have been transmitted to humans, sometimes causing outbreaks.

— see swine flu