Norwalk virus

noun

Nor·​walk virus ˈnȯr-ˌwȯk- How to pronounce Norwalk virus (audio)
: a highly infectious virus first identified as the causative agent of an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a school in Norwalk, Ohio in 1968

Note: Norwalk virus was later officially classified as a norovirus (species Norwalk virus). While the originally identified virus and closely related forms may still be referred to as Norwalk viruses, they are now more commonly called noroviruses.

Examples of Norwalk virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The Norwalk virus! Mark Shimabukuro, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Norwalk, Ohio, site of an outbreak of the virus in 1968

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Norwalk virus was in 1983

Dictionary Entries Near Norwalk virus

Cite this Entry

“Norwalk virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Norwalk%20virus. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

Norwalk virus

noun
Nor·​walk virus ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌwȯk- How to pronounce Norwalk virus (audio)
variants also Norwalk agent
: a highly infectious virus first identified as the causative agent of an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a school in Norwalk, Ohio in 1968

Note: Norwalk virus was later officially classified as a norovirus (species Norwalk virus). While the originally identified virus and closely related forms may still be referred to as Norwalk viruses, they are now more commonly called noroviruses.

Norwalk viruses are important causes of both sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis.Melvin A. Kohn, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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