parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

: any of a family (Parvoviridae) of single-stranded DNA viruses that include the causative agents of fifth disease in humans, panleukopenia in cats, and parvovirus in dogs

2

: a highly contagious febrile virus disease of dogs that is spread especially by contact with infected feces, that is caused by a strain (Canine parvovirus) of the parvovirus causing panleukopenia in cats, and that is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

Examples of parvovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The virus that causes fifth disease is parvovirus B19, which spreads through respiratory droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes.1 This condition typically begins with cold or flu-like symptoms, such as low-grade fever, runny nose, and headache. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Coyotes, wolves, foxes, raccoons, minks and bobcats are at risk of contracting parvovirus, coronavirus and distemper. —Julia Wuerz, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024

To learn more about parvovirus, check out our guide. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024

Many people who catch parvovirus B19 don’t have symptoms, but those who do will typically notice two phases of illness. —Katherine Dillinger, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin parvus small (akin to Greek pauros small, paid-, pais child) + New Latin -o- + virus — more at few

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

a

capitalized : a genus of single-stranded DNA viruses of the family Parvoviridae that includes the causative agents of panleukopenia in cats and fifth disease in humans

b

: any virus of the family Parvoviridae and especially of the genus Parvovirus

2

: a highly contagious febrile disease of canines and especially dogs that is caused by a virus of the genus Parvovirus (species Canine parvovirus), is spread especially by contact with infected feces, and is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

called also canine parvovirus, parvo