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
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.
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 How McDonald's outbreak compares to Chipotle Between the lines: Chipotle Mexican Grill had a string of food-safety issues including 2015 outbreaks of E. coli, salmonella and norovirus. Kelly Tyko, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for norovirus 

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

Cite this Entry

“Norovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/norovirus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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