rotavirus

noun

ro·​ta·​vi·​rus ˈrō-tə-ˌvī-rəs How to pronounce rotavirus (audio)
: any of a genus (Rotavirus) of reoviruses that have a three-layered protein capsid with no outer lipid envelope when mature and that include one (species Rotavirus A) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children

Examples of rotavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vomiting is often the first symptom for children who contract rotavirus. Sarah Bradley, Health, 23 Oct. 2024 In addition to diarrhea and chills, the symptoms of rotavirus include:4 Fatigue Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite Strong thirst The symptoms usually come on quickly and resolve within a week or so. Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 The pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines have been particularly significant—pneumonia and diarrhea are among the top global killers of children under five. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 There are fewer cases of rotavirus now because of an oral vaccine.6 Norovirus affects all ages and spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rotavirus 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin rota wheel + New Latin virus

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotavirus was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near rotavirus

Cite this Entry

“Rotavirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotavirus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

rotavirus

noun
ro·​ta·​vi·​rus ˈrōt-ə-ˌvī-rəs How to pronounce rotavirus (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of reoviruses that are causative agents of gastroenteritis and that include one (species Rotavirus A) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children

Note: Viruses of the genus Rotavirus have a virion with a three-layered protein capsid lacking an outer lipid envelope when mature and a core of 11 discrete segments of double-stranded RNA.

2
: any virus of the genus Rotavirus
rotaviral adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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