norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˈnȯr-ə-ˌvī-rəs How to pronounce norovirus (audio)
: 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 Both sources indicate cases of norovirus is currently elevated in Wisconsin, which is expected this time of year, said Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokesperson Elizabeth Goodsitt. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 What are the symptoms of a norovirus? Diarrhea, cramps and vomiting usually start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure to the virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for norovirus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'norovirus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of norovirus was in 2002

Dictionary Entries Near norovirus

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Cite this Entry

“Norovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/norovirus. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

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Medical Definition

norovirus

noun
nor·​o·​virus ˌnȯr-ō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce norovirus (audio)
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
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