morbillivirus

noun

: any of a genus (Morbillivirus) of paramyxoviruses that include the causative agents of canine distemper, measles, and rinderpest

Examples of morbillivirus 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.
In 2016, scientists began to vaccinate Hawaiian monk seals against a deadly strain of morbillivirus. Christina Larson, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2023 In 1735, a novel disease that looked a lot like morbillivirus in humans broke out in dogs in Ecuador and Peru. New York Times, 19 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from morbillus spot on the skin, pustule (from Medieval Latin, diminutive of Latin morbus) + virus

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of morbillivirus was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near morbillivirus

Cite this Entry

“Morbillivirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morbillivirus. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

morbillivirus

noun
mor·​bil·​li·​vi·​rus -ˌvī-rəs How to pronounce morbillivirus (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of single-stranded RNA viruses of the family Paramyxoviridae that includes the causative agents of measles, canine distemper, and rinderpest
2
: any of the genus Morbillivirus of paramyxoviruses

More from Merriam-Webster on morbillivirus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!