human papillomavirus

noun

: any of numerous papillomaviruses (as of the genera Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, and Gammapapillomavirus) that cause various human papillomas (such as genital warts and plantar warts) and include some associated with the production of human cancer

—abbreviation HPV

Examples of human papillomavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the first tests that allows patients to self-collect samples to screen for human papillomavirus (HPV) will soon be available in doctors' offices. —Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024

For example, studies of flares among people with lupus receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have found that between zero and 13% of patients experienced a flare, but that flares tended to be mild or moderate. —Markham Heid, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new self-collection tests for human papillomavirus (HPV), which means people with a cervix can now collect their own vaginal swab samples at urgent care, mobile clinics, or in a healthcare provider’s office. —Michelle Pugle, Health, 4 Sep. 2024

Pap smear screening tests check for cervical cancer and may also include a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

human papillomavirus

noun

: a double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Papillomavirus (species Human papillomavirus) that has numerous genotypes causing various human warts (as the common warts of the extremities, plantar warts, and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer

called also HPV