norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˈnȯr-ə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of a genus (Norovirus) of small, round, single-stranded RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows, pigs, and dogs)

People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.

—Cherie Black

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

see norwalk virus

Examples of norovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the eighth norovirus outbreak reported to the CDC in 2024, according to statistics provided by the agency. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2024

Nearly a decade ago the burrito chain dominated headlines for months when a string of norovirus, E. coli and salmonella outbreaks poisoned hundreds of customers. —Beth Kowitt, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024

Research suggests that most people with Crohn's disease have a genetic mutation (a permanent change in DNA sequence of a gene) that makes their gut lining cells more vulnerable to damage from a viral norovirus infection, which triggers symptoms.6 6. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Food poisoning symptoms and norovirus symptoms can both include fever and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach bug or stomach flu), COVID-19, and other infections may also be to blame. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English Norwalk virus + New Latin -o- + virus

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˌnȯr-ō-ˈvī-rəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of small, round, single-stranded, highly infectious RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows and dogs)

2

: any virus of the genus Norovirus

People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.

—Cherie Black, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

see norwalk virus