human papillomavirus

noun

: any of numerous papillomaviruses (as of the genera Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, and Gammapapillomavirus) that cause various human papillomas (such as genital warts and plantar warts) and include some associated with the production of human cancer

—abbreviation HPV

Examples of human papillomavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Warts—common, raised bumps that are rarely painful or irritating—are skin infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). —Sarah Bradley, Health, 19 June 2024

The human papillomavirus vaccine provides powerful protection against the leading cause of cervical cancer and against a strong risk factor for anal cancer. —Linda Villarosa, New York Times, 13 June 2024

Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that helps protect against nine types of human papillomavirus (HPV). —Peter Weiss, Verywell Health, 12 June 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved self-testing options for the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, making cervical cancer screenings more accessible. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

human papillomavirus

noun

: a double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Papillomavirus (species Human papillomavirus) that has numerous genotypes causing various human warts (as the common warts of the extremities, plantar warts, and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer

called also HPV