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

In 2008, Harald zur Hausen, a German virologist, won the Nobel Prize for his research demonstrating that cervical cancer in humans is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. —Sam Tupper, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024

The Quad's push will include promoting human papillomavirus vaccination, increasing access to screenings, and expanding care, The White House notes. —Mike Allen, Axios, 22 Sep. 2024

Most cervical cancer screenings involve testing for human papillomavirus or HPV, as most cervical cancers are caused by the virus. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

One such vaccine, whose prototype was approved by the FDA in 2006, is in wide use today to prevent the most serious forms of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus. —Nbc Universal, NBC News, 7 July 2023

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